H. ‘Balloons’

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

Hosta ‘Balloons’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered1994
Section classIV-1 (Small)

Overview

Registered in 1994 as a hybrid of Hosta 'Anne Arett', 'Balloons' is a small, variegated cultivar notable for its compact, open mound form and deep maroon scapes. The medium green leaves have slightly rippled margins and a dull surface on both sides, with a rounded base.

In the Garden

'Balloons' forms a low, spreading mound approximately 11 inches (27.9 cm) tall and 30 inches (76.2 cm) wide, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with other small shade perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or small sedges. Its compact size also makes it a good candidate for trough gardens or small woodland patches.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, 'Balloons' may be susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.

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 height11 in (27.9 cm)
Clump width30 in (76.2 cm)
Leaf length7 in (17.8 cm)
Leaf width2 in (5.1 cm)
Vein pairs6
Leafmedium green slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath
Flower scape height22–32 in (55.9–81.3 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #393. How we check this data.