H. ‘Hirao Imperial’

Overview

Registered in 1998 by S. Hirao and P. Ruh, *Hosta* 'Hirao Imperial' is a small, slow-growing cultivar with variegated foliage. Its leaves feature dark green, slightly rippled margins, a slightly shiny upper and lower surface, and tapered bases, creating a compact, mound-like form.

In the Garden

'Hirao Imperial' reaches a mature diameter of 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) and a height of 9.5 inches (24.1 cm), making it suitable for small garden spaces, rockeries, or container cultivation. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with other small perennials such as ferns or heucheras. Its slow growth rate and tidy habit make it an excellent choice for edging or foreground planting.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed.