H. ‘Pioneer’
Hosta ‘Pioneer’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by C. Tompkins.
| Year registered | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | C. Tompkins |
| Section class | II-1 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1984 by C. Tompkins, *Hosta* 'Pioneer' is a large, variegated cultivar of unknown parentage. It is visually distinctive for its jade green leaves with ruffled margins, cordate leaf bases, and prominent veining (11 vein pairs per leaf).
In the Garden
With a mature diameter of 55 inches (139.7 cm) and height of 28 inches (71.1 cm), 'Pioneer' functions as a substantial specimen or background plant in shaded to partially shaded borders. Its large, textured leaves pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The scape reaches 36 to 38 inches (91.4 to 96.5 cm), bearing lavender flowers in midsummer.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Pioneer' may require protection from slugs and deer in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 55 in (139.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 11 |
| Leaf | jade green ruffles margins |
| Flower scape height | 36–38 in (91.4–96.5 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-1, large size):
- H. ‘Nakaimo’ (1986)
- H. ‘Duke’ (1988)
- H. ‘Colossal’ (1977)
- H. ‘Willy Nilly’ (1996)
- H. ‘Tracy's Emerald Cup’ (1997)
- H. ‘Foxfire Irish Moon’ (2003)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4363