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.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
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. ‘Broad Ripple’ (1995)
- H. ‘Candy Cane’ (1995)
- H. ‘Dress Blues’ (1995)
- H. ‘Krossa Cream Edge’ (1997)
- H. ‘Lakeside Cogwheel’ (1995)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3581. How we check this data.