H. ‘Samurai’
Hosta ‘Samurai’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by AHS, M. Zilis.
| Year registered | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | AHS, M. Zilis |
| Section class | I-5b (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 2010 by M. Zilis, *Hosta* 'Samurai' is a giant sport of *H. 'Frances Williams'* first introduced in 1980. It is distinguished by its large, broadly ovate leaves of medium blue-green with a glaucous bloom, bordered by flat, golden yellow margins 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) wide.
In the Garden
'Samurai' forms a slow-growing, mound-like clump reaching 48 inches (121.9 cm) in diameter and 26 inches (66.0 cm) in height. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf centers and gold margins develop their strongest contrast. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or accent in shaded borders and woodland gardens, paired with ferns, astilbes, or other shade-tolerant perennials.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Samurai' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 26 in (66 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 48 in (121.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 11.875 in (30.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 16 |
| Leaf | medium blue-green with 1 to 1.5in (2.5 to 3.8cm) wide, golden yellow, flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly wavy, moderately corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 24–36 in (61.0–91.4 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | center turns medium green by mid-July |
| Notable characteristics | introduced in 1980 in the 'Garden of Aden' catalog as an improvement on H. 'Frances Williams' |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Frances Williams' — H. ‘Frances Williams’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Samurai’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Golden Samurai’ (sport)
- H. ‘Papa's Gold’ (seedling (pod parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-5b, giant size):
- H. ‘Gabriel's Wing’ (2016)
- H. ‘Victory’ (2003)
- H. ‘Celestial’ (2000)
- H. ‘Liberty’ (2000)
- H. ‘David A. Haskell’ (1999)
- H. ‘Leading Lady’ (1995)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4932