H. ‘Mary Schwartzbauer’

Overview

Registered in 2008 by H. Gowen, *Hosta* 'Mary Schwartzbauer' is a giant cultivar notable for its two-color margin: a blue-green leaf surface edged in white, with irregular green streaking extending into the center. The pod parent is *H.* 'Dorothy Benedict'; the pollen parent is unknown.

In the Garden

This slow-growing, upright plant reaches 30 inches (76.2 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter at maturity, making it a substantial specimen for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its broadly ovate, lightly corrugated leaves with slightly rippled margins provide strong textural contrast when paired with fine-textured ferns or broad-leaved companions such as *Heuchera* or *Astilbe*. Given its giant size, it is best sited as a focal point in a woodland border or shade garden rather than in containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage and deer browsing; monitoring and protective measures are advisable.