Hosta Curly Fries

Hosta 'Curly Fries' is a miniature variety with beautiful wavy, thin, elongated, lanceolate foliage in a green-yellow. It forms a rounded, distinct, sculptural and luminous clump. In summer, it is adorned with lovely lavender flowers just above the foliage. Older plants develop red-speckled petioles. This dwarf hosta can be planted in rockeries, borders, or pots, ideally in the morning sun, where its colouration is most vibrant. This cultivar was elected Hosta of the Year in 2016 by The American Hosta Growers Association. It should be protected from slugs and snails.

Hosta 'Curly Fries' is a completely hardy perennial plant belonging to the asparagus family. The plant will only reach a height of 15 cm, spreading to about 40 cm. It forms a tight clump with a low and spreading habit. It is a long-lived plant that takes some time to establish. Its foliage is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and disappearing in winter. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and very wavy light green-yellow to chartreuse. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of pale lavender bell-shaped flowers, hanging down, grouped towards the top of the peduncles that can reach a height of 30 cm.

Hosta 'Curly Fries' develops its best colouration if planted in the east, in the morning sun. It pairs well with partial shade with helxine, small ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful compositions that require little maintenance. Plant it also in contrast with other small heart-shaped blue foliage hostas, for example, like 'Blue Mouse Ears'. This small variety also looks great with columbines, foxgloves, or violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a special potting soil. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you pour the water, keeping the level constant in summer.

Most species commonly found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible hostas are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.