Overview
Hosta 'Big Top' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Big Top' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Hosta 'Big Top' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its simple ovate or lanceolate leaves and early summer racemes of nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers. This deciduous cultivar thrives in partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal settings, patios, containers, and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is best propagated by division in late summer or early spring and benefits from generous mulching in spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hosta
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hosta 'Big Top' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Big Top'
- Propagation
- Division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Big Top'?
Hosta 'Big Top' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta 'Big Top' need?
Hosta 'Big Top' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hosta 'Big Top' hardy in the UK?
Hosta 'Big Top' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hosta 'Big Top'?
Division in late summer or early spring.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Abiqua Blue Crinkles'
- Hosta 'Blue Haired Lady'
- Hosta 'Celestial'
- Hosta 'China' (_plantaginea_)
- Hosta 'Crimson Desire'
- Hosta 'Abiqua Delight' (v)
- Hosta 'Abraham Lincoln'