H. ‘Fruit Cup’

Overview

Registered in 2013, *Hosta* 'Fruit Cup' is a small, mound-forming cultivar derived from a complex cross involving *H.* 'Minuta', *H.* 'Shining Tot', and an open-pollinated seedling of *H.* 'Lakeside Looking Glass'. Its most distinctive feature is the nearly round, heavily cupped leaves with dark green flat margins, a very shiny upper surface, and a matching shiny underside, creating a polished, metallic appearance.

In the Garden

Reaching approximately 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 13 inches (33.0 cm) in diameter, 'Fruit Cup' is well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of small hostas, and pairs effectively with fine-textured ferns, *Heuchera*, or small sedges. Its compact size and medium-to-fast growth rate make it a reliable filler in shaded troughs or miniature garden displays.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in containers, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in high-pressure areas.