H. ‘Olive Oil’

Overview

Registered in 1996, this large hosta cultivar resulted from a cross between *Hosta* 'Yellow Splash' and *Hosta hypoleuca*. 'Olive Oil' is visually distinctive for its heavily textured, very shiny leaves with light green, slightly rippled margins and a rounded base, set against a variegated background.

In the Garden

With a mature diameter of 40 inches (101.6 cm) and height of 23 inches (58.4 cm), 'Olive Oil' forms an upright, moderately growing clump suitable for partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its large, glossy foliage pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials, and it can serve as a specimen or groundcover in woodland borders. The brown scapes, reaching up to 36 inches (91.4 cm), carry flowers above the foliage.

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, this cultivar is susceptible to slug damage and deer browsing, so appropriate management may be necessary.