H. ‘Roostertail’

Overview

Registered in 2002, *Hosta* 'Roostertail' is a large cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *Hosta* 'William Lachman' as its pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its dark blue-green leaves marked with unstable streaks of creamy white that often converge near the leaf center, forming a bold pattern reminiscent of rooster tail feathers.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches a mature size of approximately 23 inches (58.4 cm) in diameter and 28 inches (71.1 cm) in height, with an upright, moderate growth habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its large, deeply corrugated leaves with flat margins make it a strong textural accent in woodland borders or shade gardens. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its size precludes container suitability for most applications.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in typical hosta-growing zones.