Hosta 'Big Daddy'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ grows best in partial to full shade. It tolerates a small amount of morning sun, which can enhance foliage color, but avoid harsh afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or leaf mold into the soil to enhance fertility and improve structure.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially during hot or dry weather. Although it is relatively tolerant of short dry periods once established, prolonged drought can reduce leaf quality.

• Planting Site: Suitable for woodland gardens, shady borders, and foundation plantings. Works well as a focal point due to its bold foliage.

• Planting Season: Plant in early spring or early autumn, when soil is cool and moist. This gives the roots time to establish before extreme weather conditions.

• Spacing: Allow 3 to 4 feet between plants to accommodate its mature size and ensure good airflow around the foliage.

Maintenance, Fertilizing, and General Care

• Watering: Water regularly and deeply to maintain even soil moisture. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal problems associated with wet foliage.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring as new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can result in soft growth more susceptible to pests.

• Mulching: Mulch around the base with 2–3 inches of organic material to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch an inch or two away from the crown.

• Pruning and Cleanup: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves throughout the growing season. After the first frost, cut the entire plant back to the ground to reduce overwintering pests and diseases.

• Dividing: Divide every 3–5 years to rejuvenate or control plant size. Division is best done in early spring before new growth becomes too large.

• Pest Control: Watch for slugs and snails, which are common pests. Use slug traps, copper barriers, or organic pellets to manage infestations. Deer and rabbits may browse in unprotected areas.

• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Clean up fallen leaves in autumn to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like anthracnose or crown rot.

Ornamental Value and Garden Features

• Foliage Description: ‘Big Daddy’ is known for its giant, rounded blue-green leaves with a heavily textured, seersucker surface. The thick substance helps resist slug damage and adds bold texture to shaded areas.

• Mature Size: Grows up to 2 to 2.5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a large, dome-shaped clump that stands out in any shade planting.

• Flowering: Produces pale lavender flowers on 30–36 inch tall scapes in early to mid-summer. Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees, but the foliage remains the main attraction.

• Color and Seasonal Interest: The blue tones are most vivid in spring and early summer, especially when protected from strong sunlight. Leaves fade to greenish-blue as the season progresses.

• Garden Uses: Excellent for backdrops in shade gardens, mass plantings, or as a single specimen. Pairs beautifully with ferns, astilbe, heuchera, and other hostas.

• Container Use: Can be grown in large containers with good drainage and frequent watering. Ideal for shaded patios or balconies.

• Hardiness: Very hardy, suitable for USDA Zones 3–9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.