H. ‘Academy Purple Orb’
Hosta ‘Academy Purple Orb’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2015, 'Academy Purple Orb' is a small hosta of unknown parentage, with Hosta 'Sum and Substance' as its pod parent. It is distinguished by its compact, mounding habit, very shiny, medium green leaves with flat margins, and notably thick scapes that bear deep purple buds.
In the Garden
This small cultivar reaches 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of a border, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and its glossy foliage pairs well with fine-textured companions such as ferns, Heuchera, or Carex. The thick scapes and purple bud heads provide additional late-season interest.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable, as both pests may damage the foliage.
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 height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4.5 in (11.4 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Leaf | medium green flat margins; very shiny on top; very shiny underneath; lightly folded |
| Flower scape height | 17–29 in (43.2–73.7 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | small with shiny green leaves, thick scapes and purple bud heads |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Sum and Substance' — H. ‘Sum and Substance’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Chocolate Mint’ (2014)
- H. ‘Green Bag’ (2014)
- H. ‘Urchin’ (2013)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Midnight Ride’ (2004)
- H. ‘Nellie Grey’ (2002)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #124. How we check this data.