H. ‘Magna Carta’

Overview

Registered in 2001 by P. Bennerup and A. Malloy, 'Magna Carta' is a small-sized sport of *Hosta* 'Sheila Macqueen' distinguished by its bold white leaf centers framed by dark green margins with greenish-yellow inner streaks. The broadly ovate, slightly shiny leaves have a flat profile and cordate base, reaching 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) in length and 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in width.

In the Garden

'Magna Carta' forms a compact, mound-like clump 7 inches (17.8 cm) tall and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the white leaf centers remain most stable and do not scorch. Its small stature makes it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, and it pairs well with fine-textured ferns or small sedges. White scapes rising 12 to 13 inches (30.5 to 33.0 cm) bear flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer exposures, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many variegated hostas, 'Magna Carta' may be browsed by deer and is susceptible to slug damage on the tender white leaf centers.