H. ‘Marilyn Monroe’

Overview

Registered in 2005 by P. & J. Ruh, Hosta 'Marilyn Monroe' is a medium-sized cultivar of unknown parentage, distinguished by its blue-green leaves with heavily rippled, light green margins and a pronounced glaucous bloom on the upper surface. The cultivar's name references the uniform, intensely wavy leaf edges and the pointed leaf tips that create a distinctive, ruffled silhouette.

In the Garden

This hosta forms a mound 14.25 inches (36.2 cm) tall and 25.5 inches (64.8 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its blue-green foliage with wavy margins provides textural contrast when paired with ferns, heucheras, or fine-leaved grasses. The greenish purple scapes, reaching up to 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height, bear flowers that emerge alongside the leaves, a notable trait of this cultivar.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are recommended, as the foliage is susceptible to both pests.