Hosta 'Chugwater'

An In The Country Exclusive!

[L]  Every so often, a plant comes along that carries a special story from our hosta community. The late Bob Balitewicz, fondly known to many hosta enthusiasts as "IndianaBob," bred this stately cultivar before he passed away in 2014. Having never really been distributed among collectors, Hosta 'Chugwater' is now available for all to enjoy.

It's easy to see why this giant deserves a place of honor in the garden. Possibly a hybrid of 'Jade Cascade', it develops a large, impressive vase-like form with strong petioles lifting the cascading foliage high off the ground. The elongated green leaves feature deeply impressed veins and soft, rippled margins that drape downward with grace.

Because its upright, vase-shaped habit holds the foliage high off the ground, it leaves plenty of open space underneath for tucking in smaller hostas or low-growing companions. Hosta 'Chugwater' is one of those timeless plants that makes you stop and appreciate the incredible legacy of hybridizers who came before us. If you knew IndianaBob (and even if you didn't) you'll want to grow this treasure in honor of his memory!

(B. Balitewicz)