H. ‘Merry-go-round’
Hosta ‘Merry-go-round’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-1 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 1999, 'Merry-go-round' is a giant hybrid hosta derived from *Hosta* 'Herb Benedict'. It is visually distinctive for its very shiny, dark green leaf margins surrounding a lighter center, combined with an upright growth habit and large, cordate-based foliage.
In the Garden
This cultivar reaches a mature spread of approximately 53 inches (134.6 cm) and a height of 18 inches (45.7 cm), with scapes rising 48 to 54 inches (121.9 to 137.2 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or background plant in woodland borders. Due to its large dimensions, it is not recommended for container cultivation.
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, 'Merry-go-round' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate protective measures should be considered.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 53 in (134.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 16 |
| Leaf | very shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath |
| Flower scape height | 48–54 in (121.9–137.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: Hybrid of H. 'Herb Benedict' — H. ‘Herb Benedict’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-1, giant size):
- H. ‘Green Dragonet’ (1999)
- H. ‘Centennial’ (1996)
- H. ‘Elata’ (2002)
- H. ‘Irish Hills’ (1996)
- H. ‘Komodo Dragon’ (2004)
- H. ‘King James’ (1992)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3717