H. ‘Mississippi River’

Overview

Registered in 2005 by D. Beilstein, *Hosta* 'Mississippi River' is a large, mound-forming cultivar derived from a cross between *H. 'Piecrust Power'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Elatior'* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its broad, deeply wavy leaves with medium yellow-green centers and serrated, gold margins, a combination that gives the foliage a textured, ruffled appearance.

In the Garden

This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, where its large leaves develop their characteristic coloration and wave. At maturity, it forms a mound approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall and 48 inches (121.9 cm) wide, with a moderate growth rate. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or background plant in shaded borders, where it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.