H. ‘Jolly Green Dwarf’

Hosta 'Jolly Green Dwarf'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Jolly Green Dwarf’ is a registered cultivar () .

Year registered2006
Section classIV-1 (Small)

Overview

Registered in 2006, 'Jolly Green Dwarf' is a small, mound-forming hosta of unknown parentage, with *Hosta ventricosa* as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its broadly ovate, medium green leaves with flat margins, a slightly shiny upper surface, and a very shiny underside, combined with a compact, slow-growing habit that exhibits polyploid characteristics.

In the Garden

'Jolly Green Dwarf' reaches approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) in height and 28 inches (71.1 cm) in diameter at maturity, forming a dense, low mound suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or as edging. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for the genus, and its small stature makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation. Companion plants might include other small shade perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*, which complement its solid green foliage without competing for space.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in gardens where these pests are prevalent.

Size and leaf

Clump height7 in (17.8 cm)
Clump width28 in (71.1 cm)
Leaf length5 in (12.7 cm)
Leaf width3.5 in (8.9 cm)
Vein pairs8
Leafmedium green flat margins; slightly shiny on top; very shiny underneath; lightly wavy, moderately flat
Flower scape height15 in (38.1 cm)
Notable characteristicsshows polyploid characteristics, essentially a dwarf H. ventricosa

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: H. ventricosa

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #2904