H. ‘Dancing Flame’

Overview

Registered in 2006, 'Dancing Flame' is a small sport of an unidentified parent hosta, distinguished by its deeply cupped and corrugated medium green leaves with pure white, slightly rippled margins. The combination of a puckered, heavily textured leaf surface and a sharp white edge creates a strong visual contrast unusual in a plant of this size class.

In the Garden

'Dancing Flame' forms a dense, mound-like clump 8 inches (20.3 cm) tall and 19 inches (48.3 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. Its small stature and striking variegation make it suitable for the front of a border, rock garden, or container; it pairs well with fine-textured groundcovers such as creeping Jenny or small ferns. The plant performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas with white leaf margins.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry spells; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Dancing Flame' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.