H. ‘Magna Carta’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Magna Carta' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Magna Carta’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Bennerup & A. Malloy.

Year registered2001
OriginatorP. Bennerup & A. Malloy
Section classIV-6a (Small)

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.

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 height7 in (17.8 cm)
Clump width18 in (45.7 cm)
Leaf length5.75 in (14.6 cm)
Leaf width4.5 in (11.4 cm)
Leafwhite with .75in (1.9cm) wide, dark green with greenish yellow inner streaks, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; flat
Flower scape height12–13 in (30.5–33.0 cm)
Notable characteristicsbold medium white center with variegated edge

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-6a, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #3598. How we check this data.