H. ‘Hirao Elite’
Hosta ‘Hirao Elite’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Section class | V-1 (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 1997 by breeder Hirao, 'Hirao Elite' is a miniature hosta distinguished by its narrow, variegated leaves with medium green, slightly rippled margins and a very shiny upper surface. The parentage is unknown, and the cultivar forms a compact, slow-growing mound.
In the Garden
With a mature diameter of 19 inches (48.3 cm) and height of 7.5 inches (19.1 cm), 'Hirao Elite' is suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, as typical for hostas, and its small scale makes it an excellent companion for other miniature perennials such as small ferns or heucheras. The plant's slow growth rate and tidy mound habit reduce the need for frequent division.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, avoiding waterlogged soil. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Hirao Elite' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 7.5 in (19.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 19 in (48.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1.25 in (3.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 4 |
| Leaf | medium green slightly rippled margins; very shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath |
| Flower scape height | 15–17 in (38.1–43.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Hirao Elite’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Squash Casserole’ (seedling (pod parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-1, miniature size):
- H. ‘Gus’ (2008)
- H. ‘Flat Clyde’ (1997)
- H. ‘Cody’ (1996)
- H. ‘Concordia Petite’ (1996)
- H. ‘Dimity’ (1998)
- H. ‘Front Forty’ (1996)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #2571. How we check this data.