H. ‘Hanky Panky’

Overview

Registered in 2004, 'Hanky Panky' is a sport of an unidentified parent, notable for its small stature and distinctive leaf coloration. The ovate, dull-surfaced leaves feature dark green centers with a variable white line separating them from broad, dusty light green margins, creating a crisp bicolor effect.

In the Garden

This compact cultivar forms a mound 13 inches (33 cm) tall and 33 inches (84 cm) wide, with a fast growth rate that allows it to fill space quickly. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its leaf variegation remains most pronounced. Suitable for small gardens, rockeries, or container cultivation due to its modest size, it pairs well with other small hostas or shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns and heucheras.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Hanky Panky' is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and appropriate barriers may be necessary in typical hosta-growing zones.