H. ‘King's Black Knight’

Overview

Registered in 2006, *Hosta* 'King's Black Knight' is a large, mound-forming cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Grand Master' as its pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its nearly round, very dark blue-green leaves that are thick-textured, moderately corrugated, and bear a glaucous bloom on the undersides, creating a dense, striking mound.

In the Garden

'King's Black Knight' forms a substantial mound 46 inches (117 cm) in diameter and 20 inches (51 cm) tall, with a moderate growth rate. Its thick, dark leaves tolerate more sun than many blue-leaved hostas, though it performs best in partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade perennials that contrast with its dark foliage.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves offer some resistance to slugs, but standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions. Deer may browse the foliage.