H. ‘Mack the Knife’
Hosta ‘Mack the Knife’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-5b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1996, *Hosta* 'Mack the Knife' is a small-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Galaxy'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Hadspen Heron'* (pollen parent). It is visually distinguished by its dark green leaves with deep gold margins, a color pattern that remains consistent through the growing season.
In the Garden
'Mack the Knife' forms a low, dense mound reaching approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height and 15 inches (38.1 cm) in diameter, with a slow growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited to the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings due to its compact size. Companion plants that appreciate similar conditions include small ferns, *Heuchera*, and *Tiarella*.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; regular monitoring and appropriate barriers are recommended in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.75 in (7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Leaf | dark green with .5in (1.3cm) wide, deep gold, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 13 in (33.0 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Galaxy' — H. ‘Galaxy’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Hadspen Heron' — H. ‘Hadspen Heron’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-5b, small size):
- H. ‘Praying Hands’ (1996)
- H. ‘Butter Rim’ (1986)
- H. ‘Autumn Frost’ (2009)
- H. ‘Broad Ripple’ (1995)
- H. ‘Candy Cane’ (1995)
- H. ‘Dress Blues’ (1995)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3581