H. ‘Snowden’
Hosta ‘Snowden’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by E. Smith & BHHS.
| Year registered | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | E. Smith & BHHS |
| Section class | II-2 (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1988 by E. Smith and the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society, Hosta 'Snowden' is a large blue-green hybrid resulting from a cross between H. 'Fortunei Aurea' and H. sieboldiana. It is distinguished by its mound-forming habit, broad ovate leaves with slightly rippled margins, and notably early snow-white flowers that appear in midsummer.
In the Garden
'Snowden' forms a substantial mound reaching 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height and 46 inches (116.8 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf color remains most pronounced. The large leaves and white flowers pair well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its size makes it unsuitable for containers but effective as a specimen or in mass plantings in woodland gardens.
Care Notes
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first growing season, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 46 in (116.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 11.38 in (28.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf | blue green slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy and flat |
| Flower scape height | 22–26 in (55.9–66.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | Early blue-green hybrid; snow white flowers |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Fortunei Aurea' — H. ‘Fortunei Aurea’
- Pollen parent: H. sieboldiana
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Snowden’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Snow Bunting’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-2, large size):
- H. ‘Aksarben’ (1988)
- H. ‘Edge of Night’ (1988)
- H. ‘Blue Bayou’ (1987)
- H. ‘Blue Betty Lou’ (1987)
- H. ‘Birchwood Blue’ (1986)
- H. ‘Blue Beauty’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5247. How we check this data.