H. ‘Little Ralph’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Little Ralph' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Little Ralph’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by R. Stever.

Year registered2002
OriginatorR. Stever
Section classV-1 (Miniature)

Overview

Registered in 2002 by R. Stever, this miniature hosta forms a neat, tidy clump with variegated foliage. Its leaves are ovate with a tapered base, medium green with slightly rippled margins, dull above and slightly shiny beneath, reaching 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide with three vein pairs.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Little Ralph' reaches 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and spreads to 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter, forming a compact mound with moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as typical for hostas, and its small size makes it well suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Companion plants might include small ferns, heucheras, or other miniature hostas that share similar light and moisture requirements.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed.

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 height8 in (20.3 cm)
Clump width10 in (25.4 cm)
Leaf length2 in (5.1 cm)
Leaf width1 in (2.5 cm)
Vein pairs3
Leafmedium green slightly rippled margins; dull on top; slightly shiny underneath; flat
Flower scape height6–8 in (15.2–20.3 cm)
Notable characteristicsneat, tidy clump

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Similar cultivars

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

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #3459. How we check this data.