H. ‘Academy Grins’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Academy Grins' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Academy Grins’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2008
Section classIV-4b (Small)

Overview

Registered in 2008 from an unregistered streaked seedling with unknown pollen parent, 'Academy Grins' is a small, mound-forming hosta distinguished by its blue-green leaves with narrow, yellow-to-white margins that become progressively lighter through the growing season. The ovate, lightly cupped leaves measure 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) long by 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, with four vein pairs and a dull upper surface contrasting with a slightly shiny underside.

In the Garden

Reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, this compact cultivar forms a tidy mound suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade with consistent moisture, typical of most hostas. Its moderate growth rate and small stature make it an effective edging plant or companion for ferns, heucheras, and small woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Provide regular water during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many small hostas, 'Academy Grins' may be susceptible to slug damage; monitor foliage and apply control measures if needed. Deer may browse the foliage in areas where they are present.

This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.

Size and leaf

Clump height8 in (20.3 cm)
Clump width18 in (45.7 cm)
Leaf length4.5 in (11.4 cm)
Leaf width2 in (5.1 cm)
Vein pairs4
Leafmedium blue-green with .25in (0.6cm) wide, yellow to white, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; slightly shiny underneath; lightly cupped
Flower scape height23–26 in (58.4–66.0 cm)
Seasonal colour changemargin whitens through season
Notable characteristicssmall mound like hosta with clean yellow edge, extended bloom season

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: unregistered streaked seedling

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #109. How we check this data.