Described as one of the best large blue hostas available, ‘Big Daddy’ forms a very large mass of thick, chalky blue leaves. The rounded leaves become cupped and puckered when mature. Heavy substance helps to make this hosta more slug resistant. In late summer, near-white, bell-shaped flowers are produced just at the top of the foliage.
H. robusta variegated Sport.
American Hosta Society President’s Exhibitor Trophy — 1978 Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit — 2012 American Hosta Society Midwest Blue Award — 1978
Height: 24 Inches Spread: 36.0 Inches Scape Height: 24 Inches Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Flower Color: White shades Foliage Color: Blue shades Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) – Full Shade (<4 hrs. Direct Sun) Average to Consistent Water Needs Average to Fertile Soil Quality Bloomtime: Late Summer Attracts Hummingbirds Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a popular, low-maintenance hosta cultivar known for its impressive size and striking blue-green leaves. It is an excellent choice for shade gardens, where it can be used as a groundcover , border plant, or specimen plant. One of its most appealing features is its resistance to slugs, a common problem for hosta enthusiasts.
Characteristics
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a sport of H. ‘Fortunei Robusta Variegated’ . This large hosta can grow up to 28 inches tall and 40 inches wide , with thick, rounded leaves that have a unique glaucous blue color . The leaves are heavily puckered, with a cordate base and mucronate tip , and develop a cupped shape as they mature . Individual leaves can reach an impressive size of up to 12 inches long and 11 inches wide .
This hosta is a slow grower, taking 2-4 years to reach its mature size of about 2.5 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide . In the summer, it produces white to pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers on scapes that can reach up to 30 inches tall . These flowers are attractive to hummingbirds .
One of the key features of Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is its slug resistance. The thick leaves make it less appealing to these common garden pests . It is also worth noting that the striking blue color of the leaves fades to green as the summer progresses , adding another dimension of interest to this dynamic plant.
Care Requirements
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ thrives in part shade to full shade . The best blue foliage color occurs in shade, but it can tolerate some morning sun . It prefers evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soil . While established plants have some tolerance for dry shade, the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely . Water is best applied directly to the soil beneath the leaves .
As a low-maintenance perennial , Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ requires minimal care once established. To ensure its health and vigor, avoid harsh sun exposures, especially hot afternoon sun . Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce the frequency of watering . In early spring, before new leaves emerge, remove any old or faded foliage .
Growth Habits
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a slow-growing, herbaceous perennial , meaning that it dies back to the ground in the winter and re-emerges in the spring . It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 .
Uses
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a versatile plant with a variety of uses in the landscape. It is a mainstay of shade gardens and is often used as a groundcover, border plant, or specimen plant . It is also effective in groups or massed plantings .
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ can be used to underplant shrubs and roses, or to fill in spots where other plants will not grow, such as around the base of a shade tree . Its large leaves provide excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage, and it even thrives in city environments where air quality may be compromised .
To enhance your garden design, consider pairing Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ with companion plants that complement its bold foliage and texture. Some suggestions include:
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Astilbe
Evergreen Solomon’s Seal (Disporopsis pernyi)
Columbine (Aqueligia)
Ferns
Heuchera
Brunnera
Echinacea
Problems
While generally low-maintenance, Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ can be susceptible to a few problems. Slugs and snails are attracted to hosta foliage in general, but the thick leaves of this cultivar offer some resistance . Other potential problems include foliar nematodes, which feed on the leaves and cause interveinal browning, as well as leaf spots and crown rot .
To minimize slug damage, consider mulching with finely shredded organic material, but be aware that this can also provide a hiding place for slugs . Monitor your plants for signs of slug damage, such as holes in the leaves, and take appropriate action if necessary.
It is important to note that Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses . If you have pets that like to graze in your garden, it’s best to plant this hosta in an area where they cannot access it or choose a non-toxic alternative.
Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a remarkable shade-loving perennial that offers a unique combination of beauty, resilience, and low maintenance. Its large, blue-green leaves, which transition to green as the season progresses, create a bold statement in any shade garden. The thick leaves provide excellent slug resistance, and the plant thrives in a variety of conditions. Whether used as a groundcover, border plant, specimen plant, or in mass plantings, Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is sure to enhance your landscape. Just remember to keep it away from pets, as it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Twenty (20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3.25 inches deep x 2.6 inches wide.
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