H. ‘Curly Top’

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

Hosta ‘Curly Top’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Benedict.

Year registered1985
RegistrantR. Benedict
Section classV-1 (Miniature)

Overview

Registered in 1985 by R. Benedict, this miniature hosta resulted from a cross between H. 'Ginko Craig' (pod parent) and H. plantaginea (pollen parent). The cultivar is distinguished by its medium green leaves with pronounced undulating margins, a compact habit, and variegated foliage that forms a dense, low mound.

In the Garden

'Curly Top' reaches a mature size of approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its leaf margins remain most pronounced, and pairs well with other miniature hostas, small ferns, or woodland groundcovers such as Viola species. Its compact dimensions also make it an excellent choice for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor regularly and apply 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 height10 in (25.4 cm)
Clump width12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf length4 in (10.2 cm)
Leaf width1.25 in (3.2 cm)
Vein pairs2
Leafmedium green large undulations margins
Flower scape height15 in (38.1 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Similar cultivars

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

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #1309. How we check this data.