H. ‘King John’
Hosta ‘King John’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-2 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2010 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Sir Richard', 'King John' is a large, upright-growing cultivar distinguished by its intensely blue-green, broadly ovate leaves with slightly rippled margins and moderate corrugation. The foliage, reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length and 9 inches (22.9 cm) in width, exhibits a slight shine on the upper surface and a glaucous bloom beneath, with 15 to 17 vein pairs.
In the Garden
'King John' forms a substantial clump 48 inches (121.9 cm) in diameter and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where its blue-green coloration is most pronounced, and is well-suited to mid-border or specimen planting in typical hosta-growing zones. Companion plants may include ferns, heucheras, or other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast with its large, bold foliage.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents are advisable, as both pests may damage the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 17 |
| Leaf | intensely blue-green slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny with glaucous bloom underneath; moderately corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 30–40 in (76.2–101.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very large plant with very large foliage |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Sir Richard' — H. ‘Sir Richard’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-2, large size):
- H. ‘Blue Ripples’ (2009)
- H. ‘Blue Tips’ (2009)
- H. ‘Neptune’ (2006)
- H. ‘Queen of the Seas’ (2001)
- H. ‘Aksarben’ (1988)
- H. ‘Blue Rock’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3027