H. ‘Little Wiggler’
Hosta ‘Little Wiggler’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. & J. Ruh.
| Year registered | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | P. & J. Ruh |
| Section class | V-1 (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 2005 by P. and J. Ruh, this miniature hosta is a seedling of *Hosta gracillima* with unknown pollen parent. Its most distinctive features are the narrow, lance-shaped leaves with heavily rippled, light green margins and a waxy surface that is slightly shiny above and very shiny beneath.
In the Garden
'Hosta Little Wiggler' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its variegated foliage maintains color intensity. The small size and tidy habit make it well suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, and it pairs effectively with other miniature hostas or fine-textured shade perennials such as *Heuchera* or ferns.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, monitor for slug and deer damage, though the waxy leaf surface may offer slight resistance to slugs.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 9.5 in (24.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Leaf width | 0.75 in (1.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 2 |
| Leaf | light green heavily rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; very shiny underneath; lightly twisted moderately folded, moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 16–23 in (40.6–58.4 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | fast grower, waxy leaf, compact mound |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. gracillima
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-1, miniature size):
- H. ‘Gus’ (2008)
- H. ‘First Class’ (2001)
- H. ‘Devon Mist’ (2005)
- H. ‘Jiminy Cricket’ (2005)
- H. ‘Lahn’ (2005)
- H. ‘Shark's Tooth’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3473