H. ‘Ladybug’
Hosta ‘Ladybug’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-3 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1996, this small hosta cultivar originated as a hybrid of *Hosta* 'Vanilla Cream'. Its distinguishing feature is a green leaf blade with medium gold, slightly rippled margins, creating a bicolored appearance on a compact, mound-forming plant.
In the Garden
'Hosta Ladybug' reaches a mature spread of 23 inches (58.4 cm) and a height of 10 inches (25.4 cm), forming a dense, moderate-growing mound. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with other small woodland perennials such as ferns, heucheras, or miniature astilbes. Its small size makes it suitable for troughs, rock gardens, or the front of a shaded border.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, it may be susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 23 in (58.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Leaf | medium gold slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath |
| Flower scape height | 15–17 in (38.1–43.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: Hybrid of H. 'Vanilla Cream' — H. ‘Vanilla Cream’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-3, small size):
- H. ‘Fire Island’ (1998)
- H. ‘Little Miss Magic’ (2004)
- H. ‘Blonde Elf’ (2010)
- H. ‘Post-it’ (2012)
- H. ‘Peach Salsa’ (2013)
- H. ‘Gold Cadet’ (1974)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3138