H. ‘Old Gnarly’

Overview

Originating from an open pollination of *Hosta* 'Bressingham Blue' and registered in 2009, 'Old Gnarly' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its intensely corrugated, deeply twisted, and heavily seersuckered blue-green leaves. The foliage exhibits a glaucous bloom on the upper surface, dull undersides, and slightly rippled margins, creating an unruly, irregular mound of substantial texture.

In the Garden

'Old Gnarly' forms a fast-growing, mound-like clump reaching 39 inches (99.1 cm) in diameter and 22 inches (55.9 cm) in height. The large leaves—14 inches (35.6 cm) long and 11 inches (27.9 cm) wide with 14 to 15 vein pairs—are nearly round with cordate bases, deeply folded and wavy, with heavy substance that resists tattering. Light lavender flowers appear on scapes up to 32 inches (81.3 cm) tall in midsummer. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade and is suitable for woodland gardens, shade borders, or as a bold groundcover in typical hosta-growing zones. Its substantial foliage pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, heavily textured leaves offer moderate resistance to slugs, though deer may browse young shoots in spring.