H. ‘Valley's Iron Lady’

Overview

Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Valley's Iron Lady' is a small-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Captain Teach'* (pod parent) and *H. pycnophylla* (pollen parent). The plant is visually distinctive for its upright, broadly ovate blue-green leaves with deeply wavy, slightly rippled margins, a slightly shiny upper surface, and a glaucous white bloom underneath—a trait inherited from its *pycnophylla* parentage, along with purple coloration at the base of the scape and petioles.

In the Garden

'Valley's Iron Lady' reaches a mature diameter of approximately 16 inches (40 cm) and a height of 20 inches (50 cm), with an upright growth habit and moderate growth rate. It is suited to partial to full shade, typical for blue-green hostas, and its compact size makes it appropriate for the front of borders, rock gardens, or woodland settings. The substantial leaf substance and upright form allow it to pair well with smaller ferns, heucheras, or other shade-tolerant perennials; its small stature also makes it a candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While the thick leaves offer some resistance, monitor for slug and deer damage in areas where these pests are prevalent, and maintain typical hosta-growing conditions for optimal performance.