H. ‘Academy Smiles’
Hosta ‘Academy Smiles’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2008 from an unregistered streaked seedling of unknown parentage, Hosta 'Academy Smiles' is a small cultivar distinguished by its medium green, ovate leaves with yellow to white margins that lighten to white as the season progresses. The leaf blades measure 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) wide, with six vein pairs, a dull upper surface, and a very shiny underside.
In the Garden
Reaching a mature spread of 30 inches (76.2 cm) and a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), 'Academy Smiles' forms an upright clump with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of most hostas, and is well suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or as edging. Its small size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation, and it pairs effectively with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant perennials such as Heuchera or Tiarella.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed through appropriate barriers or repellents.
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 | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.75 in (9.5 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | medium green with .4 to .5in (1.0 to 1.3cm) wide, yellow to white, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; very shiny underneath; moderately flat |
| Flower scape height | 16–29 in (40.6–73.7 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | margin whitens during season |
| Notable characteristics | small to medium yellow margined, lightening to white during season, showy flowers |
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):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘Minuteman’ (1994)
- H. ‘Academy Grins’ (2008)
- H. ‘Athletic Event’ (2008)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Little Town Flirt’ (2008)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #130. How we check this data.