H. ‘Showboat’

Overview

Registered in 1993, *Hosta* 'Showboat' is a large cultivar bred from the pod parent *H.* 'Christmas Tree' and the pollen parent *H.* '81-9'. It is visually distinguished by its dark green leaves with broad, creamy white margins that extend approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide, creating a pronounced variegated pattern.

In the Garden

'Showboat' reaches a mature diameter of 28 inches (71.1 cm) and a height of 14 inches (35.6 cm), making it suitable as a mid-border specimen or groundcover in partial to full shade. Its large, slightly shiny leaves with smooth margins pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials. The green scape, reaching 27 inches (68.6 cm) in height, supports pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Showboat' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.