H. ‘Tonto’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Red Ryder', 'Tonto' was registered in 2002 and is a small-sized cultivar valued for its upright habit and contrasting foliage. Its leaves are dark green with creamy white margins, and the petioles are a distinctive dark red.

In the Garden

'Tonto' reaches 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and spreads to 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, forming a compact, upright clump. It performs best in partial to full shade and is well-suited for small gardens, rock gardens, or the front of a border. Its moderate growth rate and small size also make it an excellent candidate for container culture.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed as needed.