H. ‘Friendly Dragon’

Overview

Registered in 2015 from unknown parentage, 'Friendly Dragon' is a giant variegated hosta distinguished by its upright, heavily rippled leaves with dark green margins and a slightly shiny upper surface. The cultivar reaches 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height and spreads to 76 inches (193.0 cm) in diameter, with ovate leaves measuring 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) long and 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide, featuring 14 vein pairs and a cordate base.

In the Garden

This giant hosta performs best in partial to full shade, where its upright, moderately wavy leaves create a bold textural presence. At nearly 6.5 feet across at maturity, 'Friendly Dragon' requires substantial space and is well-suited as a specimen plant or as the anchor in a large shade border. Its moderate growth rate and substantial size make it unsuitable for containers; companion plants should be chosen to complement its scale, such as ferns or larger shade perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, 'Friendly Dragon' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate management measures may be necessary in typical hosta-growing zones.