H. ‘Emma’
Hosta ‘Emma’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1999, this small hosta cultivar resulted from a cross between a variegated seedling (pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Sum and Substance' (pollen parent). 'Emma' is visually distinctive for its medium green leaves with white, slightly rippled margins, forming a compact, mound-like habit.
In the Garden
Reaching 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, 'Emma' is well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or as edging along pathways. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its white margins remain crisp and contrast well with darker green companions such as ferns or *Heuchera*. Its small size also makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Emma' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | medium green with .38in (1.0cm) wide, white, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 14–15 in (35.6–38.1 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. variegated seedling
- Pollen parent: H. 'Sum and Substance' — H. ‘Sum and Substance’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1633