H. ‘Lakeside Maestro’

Overview

Registered in 1995 by Mary Chastain, this giant variegated hosta arose from a cross between Hosta 'Lakeside Ripples' (seed parent) and Hosta 'Mikado' (pollen parent). Its most distinctive features are the very shiny, heavily rippled leaf margins on medium green foliage, combined with a semi-upright, fast-growing habit that reaches 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and 55 inches (139.7 cm) in diameter.

In the Garden

'Lakeside Maestro' performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for hostas, and its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen plant or for the middle to back of a shaded border. The large, heavily textured leaves provide strong contrast when paired with fine-textured companions such as ferns, astilbes, or Japanese forest grass. Its fast growth rate and giant dimensions mean it requires ample spacing—at least 4 feet (1.2 m) from neighboring plants—to reach its full spread.

Care Notes

Provide regular water during establishment and in dry periods; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While not specifically noted as resistant, the thick, rippled leaves may offer some deterrence to slugs and snails, though deer remain a potential threat in typical hosta-growing zones.