H. ‘Metallica’
Hosta ‘Metallica’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by W. & E. Lachman.
| Year registered | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | W. & E. Lachman |
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1991 by W. & E. Lachman, this small blue-green hosta resulted from a cross between *Hosta* 'Beatrice' and *Hosta* 'Blue Moon'. The cultivar is visually distinctive for its dark blue-green leaves with pronounced undulating margins, a trait inherited from its parentage.
In the Garden
Hosta 'Metallica' reaches a mature diameter of 21 inches (53.3 cm) and height of 16 inches (40.6 cm), making it suitable for the front of borders or as a groundcover in shaded areas. It performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*. Its compact size also makes it appropriate for container cultivation.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitoring and protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 21 in (53.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 13 |
| Leaf | dark blue green large undulations margins |
| Flower scape height | 25 in (63.5 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Beatrice' hybrid
- Pollen parent: H. 'Blue Moon' — H. ‘Blue Moon’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Blue Skies’ (1988)
- H. ‘Brother Ronald’ (1988)
- H. ‘Fragrant Blue’ (1988)
- H. ‘Halcyon’ (1988)
- H. ‘Abiqua Blue Edger’ (1987)
- H. ‘Blue Lady’ (1998)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3721