H. ‘Mean Mama’

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.