H. ‘Fruit Loop’

Overview

Registered in 2013, 'Fruit Loop' is a small hosta derived from a complex cross involving *H.* 'Minuta' and *H.* 'Shining Tot' as pod parent, with an open-pollinated seedling of *H.* 'Lakeside Looking Glass' as pollen parent. Its most distinctive feature is the combination of a nearly round, heavily cupped and corrugated dark green leaf with a wide (0.6–1.3 cm) creamy white margin, and a very shiny upper and lower surface.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 12 inches (30.5 cm) and height of 7 inches (17.8 cm), 'Fruit Loop' forms a compact, mound-like clump suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container cultivation. Its small size and moderate growth rate make it an effective edging plant or groundcover in partial to full shade. Companion plants might include small ferns, *Heuchera*, or other miniature hostas.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and appropriate controls are recommended in typical hosta-growing zones.