H. ‘Little Tykes’
Hosta ‘Little Tykes’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2005, *Hosta* 'Little Tykes' is a small-sized sport of *Hosta* 'Little Jim' characterized by its blue-green leaves with creamy white, heavily rippled margins. The cultivar is notable for its compact mound form, fast growth rate, and tall scapes that rise well above the foliage.
In the Garden
'Little Tykes' reaches approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 11 inches (27.9 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green leaves with white margins remain most vivid. The tall scapes, reaching 15 to 19 inches (38.1 to 48.3 cm), bear lavender flowers and provide vertical interest above the low mound. This cultivar pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant groundcovers.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Little Tykes' may require protection from slugs and deer, particularly in shaded, moist conditions.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4.25 in (10.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.25 in (5.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 5 |
| Leaf | dark green with .06 to .2in (0.2 to 0.5cm) wide, creamy white, heavily rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately cupped, lightly twisted, lightly corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 15–19 in (38.1–48.3 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | creamy white margins, white backs tall scapes |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Little Jim' — H. ‘Little Jim’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Little Tykes’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Sir Lancelot’ (sport)
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. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3471