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.
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 | 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. ‘Lakeside Swan Pon’ (2001)
- H. ‘Skyward’ (2000)
- H. ‘Spartan Glory’ (2000)
- H. ‘American Halo’ (1999)
- H. ‘It Rocks’ (2004)
- H. ‘Lakeside Ring Master’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3631. How we check this data.