H. ‘My Friend Nancy’

Overview

Registered in 1991 by R. Benedict and N. Krul, this large hosta cultivar resulted from crossing *Hosta* 'Dorothy Benedict' (pod parent) with *Hosta montana* 'Chirifu' (pollen parent). 'My Friend Nancy' is visually distinguished by its medium green leaves with notably wide (1 in / 2.5 cm) white margins, a trait inherited from its *montana* parentage.

In the Garden

Reaching 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter and 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height, 'My Friend Nancy' performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for variegated hostas. Its substantial leaf size—10 inches (25.4 cm) long by 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide with 12 vein pairs—makes it suitable as a specimen plant or in mixed shade borders alongside ferns and astilbes. The white-margined foliage provides contrast against darker-leaved companions.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor and protect accordingly in typical hosta-growing zones.