H. ‘Warwick Essence’
Hosta ‘Warwick Essence’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1993 |
|---|---|
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 1993, *Hosta* 'Warwick Essence' is a giant hybrid resulting from a cross between *H.* 'Northern Halo' (pod parent) and *H. plantaginea* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its large, rounded, medium blue-green leaves with smooth margins, a slightly shiny upper surface, and a rounded leaf base.
In the Garden
With a mature diameter of 54 inches (137.2 cm) and a height of 24 inches (61.0 cm), 'Warwick Essence' is best suited to a prominent position in the mixed border or as a specimen plant in partial to full shade. Its substantial leaves and green scapes reaching 33 inches (83.8 cm) provide a bold textural contrast when paired with finer-textured perennials such as ferns or astilbes. It is not recommended for container cultivation due to its giant size.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable for this cultivar in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 24 in (61 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 54 in (137.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 15 |
| Leaf | medium blue green smooth margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath |
| Flower scape height | 33 in (83.8 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Northern Halo' — H. ‘Northern Halo’
- Pollen parent: H. plantaginea
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Cool Change’ (1995)
- H. ‘Kong’ (1990)
- H. ‘Hirao Zeus’ (1997)
- H. ‘Abiqua Elephant Ears’ (1999)
- H. ‘Big and Blue’ (2000)
- H. ‘Blue Angel’ (1986)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #6049