H. ‘Hiawatha’

Overview

Registered in 2002 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Red Ryder', 'Hiawatha' is a small, upright-growing cultivar distinguished by its dark green leaves with unstable creamy white marginal streaking and dark red petioles. The elliptic leaves, measuring 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, bear six vein pairs and have a flat base with a slightly shiny surface on both sides.

In the Garden

Reaching a mature diameter of 17 inches (43.2 cm) and height of 9 inches (22.9 cm), 'Hiawatha' forms a moderate-growing, upright clump suitable for the front of borders or rock gardens. Its small size and compact habit make it an appropriate choice for container cultivation, and it pairs well with other small perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella* in partial to full shade. The purple-green scapes, rising 13 to 15 inches (33.0 to 38.1 cm) tall, bear typical hosta flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable in typical hosta-growing zones, though the upright habit may reduce foliar contact with soil-dwelling pests.