H. ‘Roostertail’
Hosta ‘Roostertail’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Section class | II-7 (Large) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 28 in (71.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 23 in (58.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10.5 in (26.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | dark blue green with unstable streaks of creamy white nearly confluent in the center of the leaf flat margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; deeply corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 27–32 in (68.6–81.3 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | bold, creamy-white fleur-de-lis pattern is reminiscent of rooster tail feathers |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'William Lachman' — H. ‘William Lachman’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-7, large size):
- H. ‘Justice’ (2003)
- H. ‘Cosmic Sister’ (2006)
- H. ‘Quesadilla’ (2010)
- H. ‘Alice Blue Gown’ (2002)
- H. ‘American Tisch Breeder’ (2002)
- H. ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’ (2002)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4739