H. ‘Mountaineer’

Overview

Registered in 2002 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Rocky Mountain High', 'Mountaineer' is a large, mound-forming cultivar distinguished by its broadly ovate, variegated leaves with dark green, slightly rippled margins, a moderately wavy and lightly corrugated surface, and twisted leaf tips. The leaves measure 12 inches (30.5 cm) long by 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) wide, with 10 to 12 vein pairs, and exhibit a slightly shiny texture on both surfaces.

In the Garden

With a mature diameter of 28 inches (71.1 cm) and height of 24 inches (61.0 cm), 'Mountaineer' forms a substantial, moderate-growing mound suited to partial to dappled shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its large, variegated foliage pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials, and it can serve as a specimen or accent in woodland borders and shaded beds.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Mountaineer' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.