H. ‘X Factor’

Overview

Registered in 2013, *Hosta* 'X Factor' is a large blue-green cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *Hosta* 'Too Darn Hot' as the pod parent. Its most distinctive features are the broadly ovate, slightly blue-green leaves with lightly rippled margins and a dull surface on both sides, forming a dense, mound-like habit.

In the Garden

'X Factor' reaches a mature diameter of 30 inches (76.2 cm) and a height of 13 inches (33.0 cm), with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, and is suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in woodland gardens. Its large, muted blue-green foliage pairs well with finer-textured ferns or golden-leaved companions, though it is not recommended for container culture due to its size.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. As with most large-leaved hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor regularly and manage as needed.