H. ‘Mean Mama’
Hosta ‘Mean Mama’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-6a (Large) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict', registered in 1995, 'Mean Mama' is a large hosta distinguished by its blue-green leaves with wide, yellow-gold margins. The leaf blades exhibit a glaucous bloom on both surfaces and feature slightly rippled, dark green margins approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide.
In the Garden
'Mean Mama' forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter at maturity. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is suitable for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a specimen planting. Its substantial leaf size and contrasting margins pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, 'Mean Mama' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitoring and appropriate controls may be necessary.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | yellow gold with 1.5in (3.8cm) wide, dark green, slightly rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 15–22 in (38.1–55.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Dorothy Benedict' — H. ‘Dorothy Benedict’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-6a, large size):
- H. ‘Dream Weaver’ (1996)
- H. ‘Brother Stefan’ (1998)
- H. ‘Lakeside Shore Master’ (1998)
- H. ‘Night Shift’ (1991)
- H. ‘Stained Glass’ (1999)
- H. ‘Cool as a Cucumber’ (2012)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3698