H. ‘White Elephant’

Overview

Registered in 2007 as a sport of Hosta 'White Christmas', 'White Elephant' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its broad white leaf centers framed by medium green margins, with a lighter green transitional zone between the two. The leaves are broadly ovate with cordate bases, slightly rippled, and exhibit twisting leaf tips; the upper surface is slightly shiny while the underside is dull, and the leaf measures 24.1 cm long by 15.2 cm wide with nine vein pairs.

In the Garden

'White Elephant' forms a mound-like clump reaching 55.9 cm in height and 139.7 cm in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It is best suited to partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and performs well in woodland borders or shaded perennial beds. Its substantial size makes it appropriate as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shaded border; companion plants include ferns, Heuchera, and Astilbe.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable, as both pests may damage the foliage.