H. ‘King John’

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.