H. ‘Elsley Runner’

Overview

Registered in 2009 by K. Walek for the American Hosta Society, 'Elsley Runner' is a miniature hosta derived from Hosta venusta as the pod parent. Its primary distinction lies in its small, ovate leaves with green flat margins and a dull upper surface, reaching only 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in width, with 3 to 4 vein pairs.

In the Garden

This low-growing, mound-forming cultivar is well-suited to shaded or partially shaded positions in typical hosta-growing zones. At maturity, it forms a compact mound with scapes rising 12 to 14 inches (30.5 to 35.6 cm) above the foliage. Its miniature size makes it appropriate for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs effectively with other small perennials such as Heuchera or Tiarella. The diminutive dimensions also render it suitable for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during active growth, particularly in dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new shoots emerge. As with most hostas, protection from slugs and deer may be necessary, though the small leaf size can make slug damage less conspicuous than on larger cultivars.