H. ‘Pianissimo’
Hosta ‘Pianissimo’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-5a (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 2004, Hosta 'Pianissimo' is a large, mound-forming cultivar resulting from a cross between a Hosta 'Dorothy Benedict' F-2 seedling (pod parent) and Hosta 'Gold Regal' (pollen parent). The cultivar is distinguished by its subtle, soft coloration: blue-green leaves with greenish-yellow margins and a glaucous bloom on the undersides.
In the Garden
'Pianissimo' forms a substantial mound 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter and 16 inches (40.6 cm) tall, with a moderate growth rate. Its broadly ovate, lightly corrugated leaves reach 11 inches (27.9 cm) long and 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, with 12 to 14 vein pairs and flat margins 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wide. The scapes rise 24 to 27 inches (61.0 to 68.6 cm) high. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it unsuitable for containers.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves provide moderate slug resistance, though monitoring may be needed in damp conditions. Deer may browse young foliage.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 40 in (101.6 cm) |
| Leaf length | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 14 |
| Leaf | light green with 1 to 2in (2.5 to 5.1cm) wide, greenish yellow, flat margins; dull on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 24–27 in (61.0–68.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | soft coloration, very subtle |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: F-2 seedling of H. 'Dorothy Benedict' — H. ‘Dorothy Benedict’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Gold Regal' — H. ‘Gold Regal’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-5a, large size):
- H. ‘Greased Lightning’ (2005)
- H. ‘Star-kissed’ (2006)
- H. ‘Wave Runner’ (2007)
- H. ‘Rising Star’ (2013)
- H. ‘Chippewa’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4331. How we check this data.