H. ‘Loving Cup’
Hosta ‘Loving Cup’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by M. Armstrong.
| Year registered | 1970 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | M. Armstrong |
| Section class | III-2 (Medium) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Flower scape height | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Zager Giant Puckered' — H. ‘Zager Giant Puckered’
- Pollen parent: H. sieboldiana
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-2, medium size):
- H. ‘Blue June’ (1987)
- H. ‘Linde’ (1987)
- H. ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ (1989)
- H. ‘Bruce's Blue’ (1991)
- H. ‘Abiqua Blue Crinkles’ (1999)
- H. ‘Catherine Ann’ (1999)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3549