H. ‘Carl A. Francis’

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

Hosta ‘Carl A. Francis’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by C. Francis.

Year registered2004
OriginatorC. Francis
Section classV-6a (Miniature)

Overview

Registered in 2004 by C. Francis, this miniature hosta is a sport of a green seedling and is distinguished by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves with golden yellow centers and medium green, heavily rippled margins. The cultivar also produces golden yellow scapes and seed pods, an unusual trait that adds to its ornamental interest.

In the Garden

Reaching 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height and 13 inches (33.0 cm) in diameter, 'Carl A. Francis' is well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture due to its compact, rhizomatous habit. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs effectively with other miniature perennials such as small ferns, heucheras, or creeping sedums. Its moderate growth rate makes it manageable in mixed plantings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage, so monitor foliage regularly in damp conditions.

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 height5 in (12.7 cm)
Clump width13 in (33 cm)
Leaf length4 in (10.2 cm)
Leaf width0.5 in (1.3 cm)
Vein pairs3
Leafgolden yellow with .4 to .5in (1.0 to 1.3cm) wide, medium green, heavily rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; moderately folded
Flower scape height13–14 in (33.0–35.6 cm)
Seasonal colour changecenter goes white with sun exposure
Notable characteristicssmall medio-variegated lance-leafed golden yellow hosta with golden yellow scapes and seed pods.

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Sport parent: Sport of a green seedling

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-6a, miniature size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #918. How we check this data.