H. ‘Live Wire’

Overview

Registered in 2009, *Hosta* 'Live Wire' is a miniature cultivar of unknown parentage (open pollinated) distinguished by its unusually long, narrow leaves that are unlike those of any other hosta. The lanceolate leaves, measuring 4.5 inches long and just 0.5 inches wide, feature medium green margins with slight rippling and a lightly folded form; the edges begin ruffled and smooth out as the season progresses.

In the Garden

'Live Wire' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 7 inches in height and 20 inches in diameter with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and is well-suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders due to its miniature stature. Its narrow, variegated foliage pairs effectively with fine-textured companions such as ferns, *Heuchera*, or small sedges, and it is an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it may be susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its narrow leaves may be less appealing to slugs than broader-leaved cultivars.