H. ‘Snowden’

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.