H. ‘Loving Cup’

Overview

Registered in 1970 by M. Armstrong, 'Loving Cup' is a medium-sized hosta cultivar derived from a cross between *Hosta* 'Zager Giant Puckered' (pod parent) and *Hosta sieboldiana* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its broad, cupped blue-green leaves with prominent veining and a rounded, mounded growth habit.

In the Garden

'Loving Cup' forms a dense clump reaching 16 inches (40.6 cm) in height and 28 inches (71.1 cm) in diameter, with individual leaves measuring 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage retains its color without scorching. This medium-sized cultivar works well as a groundcover or in mixed shade borders, pairing effectively with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many blue-leaved hostas, 'Loving Cup' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.