H. ‘Kissing Cousin’
Hosta ‘Kissing Cousin’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1998, *Hosta* 'Kissing Cousin' is a sport of the popular *Hosta* 'Wide Brim'. This small-sized cultivar is visually distinctive for its dark green leaves with broad, creamy white margins that are slightly rippled, and for its upright, moderate growth habit.
In the Garden
*Hosta* 'Kissing Cousin' reaches a mature size of approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm) in height and 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter, with scapes rising 18 to 23 inches (45.7 to 58.4 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small stature makes it well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers. Companion plants include ferns, heucheras, and other small- to medium-sized hostas with contrasting foliage colors.
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; monitor regularly and apply controls as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 32 in (81.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6.25 in (15.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 8 |
| Leaf | dark green with .75in (1.9cm) wide, creamy white, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; waxy underneath |
| Flower scape height | 18–23 in (45.7–58.4 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Wide Brim' — H. ‘Wide Brim’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3050