Hosta 'Aoki' – Historic Fortunei Selection with Synonyms

Hosta 'Aoki': A Classic Fortunei Cultivar from 1987

'Aoki' carries a touch of nomenclatural history, also known as 'Fortunei Aoki' or H. fortunei 'Aoki'. Registered in 1987 by Bailey-AHS, this cultivar represents the fortunei group—hostas prized for their vase-shaped habit, wavy leaves, and sun tolerance relative to other species.

Cultivar Information

• Family: Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Hosta (HOSS-tuh)
• Cultivar: Aoki
• Also known as: Fortunei Aoki, H. fortunei Aoki
• Hybridized by: Bailey-AHS
• Registered/Introduced: 1987

Growth and Use

'Aoki' forms an elegant, upright mound of medium-green, slightly wavy leaves with a satiny sheen. The fortunei heritage grants it better sun tolerance than many hostas, though it still prefers afternoon shade. The vase-shaped habit creates vertical interest, making it useful in narrow spaces or as a focal point in island beds.

Lavender flowers bloom in late summer on tall scapes. This cultivar's historical significance and reliable performance have kept it in cultivation for decades. It serves as a bridge between species hostas and modern hybrids, offering a glimpse of the genetic foundation upon which today's vast hosta diversity was built.