H. ‘Mardi Gras’
Hosta ‘Mardi Gras’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-4b (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 2001, 'Mardi Gras' is a giant hosta cultivar produced from a cross between *H.* 'Christmas Tree Gala' and *H. nigrescens* 'Elatior'. It is visually distinctive for its large, broadly ovate leaves with creamy white margins that exhibit jagged indentations and occasional streaks of pale blue-green bleeding into the dark green center.
In the Garden
'Mardi Gras' forms a wide-spreading, mound-like clump reaching 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter and 28 inches (71.1 cm) in height, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its substantial leaf surface and shiny top make it a strong specimen for the middle or back of a border. Its large size and vigorous spread suit it for woodland gardens or as a groundcover in shaded areas, but it is not recommended for container cultivation due to its dimensions.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents may be necessary, as the broad, tender leaves are susceptible to both pests.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | medium to dark green with .8 to 1in (2.0 to 2.5cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; very shiny on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 25–36 in (63.5–91.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | edge turns pure white later in summer |
| Notable characteristics | White edge has jagged indentations, boasting streaks of pale blue-green, melting to dark green center; shiny surface; wide spreading clump |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Christmas Tree Gala' — H. ‘Christmas Tree Gala’
- Pollen parent: H. nigrescens 'Elatior' — H. ‘Elatior’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-4b, giant size):
- H. ‘American Halo’ (1999)
- H. ‘It Rocks’ (2004)
- H. ‘Lakeside Swan Pon’ (2001)
- H. ‘Skyward’ (2000)
- H. ‘Spartan Glory’ (2000)
- H. ‘Lakeside Ring Master’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3631