H. ‘Mammoth Ears’

Overview

Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Mammoth Ears' is a giant cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Elegans' as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its extremely large, blue-green, deeply corrugated leaves that lack substance, resulting in a vertical, floppy habit despite the plant's substantial mound-like form.

In the Garden

'Mammoth Ears' reaches a mature diameter of 62 inches (157.5 cm) and a height of 28 inches (71.1 cm), with scapes rising 28 to 36 inches (71.1 to 91.4 cm) above the foliage. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, where its glaucous blue-green leaves develop their richest color. The fast growth rate and massive leaf size make it suitable as a specimen or focal point in large borders, though its floppy habit may require staking or support from neighboring plants. It is not suited for containers due to its giant stature.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. The thick, corrugated leaves are moderately resistant to slug damage, but deer may browse the foliage in areas where they are prevalent.