H. ‘Medusa’

Hosta ‘Medusa’ is a registered cultivar (1993) .

Year registered	1993
Section class	V-6a (Miniature)

Overview

Registered in 1993, *Hosta* 'Medusa' is a miniature cultivar derived from a cross between *H*. 'Neat Splash' and the species *Hosta gracillima*. Its most distinctive feature is the narrow, medium green, slightly rippled leaf margins that border a creamy white central blade, creating a reverse-variegated appearance atypical of many small hostas.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 12 inches (30.5 cm) and height of 6 inches (15.2 cm), 'Medusa' forms a compact, low mound suitable for the front of a shade border, rock garden, or trough container. The narrow, 4-inch (10.2 cm) leaves with four vein pairs and a tapered base present a fine texture that contrasts well with broad-leaved companions such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*. Its miniature stature makes it an excellent candidate for container culture in typical hosta-growing zones.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and rich, well-drained soil; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most miniature hostas, 'Medusa' benefits from protection against slugs and snails, which can disfigure the narrow leaves.

Size and leaf

Clump height	6 in (15.2 cm)
Clump width	12 in (30.5 cm)
Leaf length	4 in (10.2 cm)
Leaf width	1 in (2.5 cm)
Vein pairs	4
Leaf	creamy white with .25in (0.6cm) wide, medium green, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; very shiny underneath
Flower scape height	15 in (38.1 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

Pod parent: H. 'Neat Splash' — H. ‘Neat Splash’
Pollen parent: H. gracillima

Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Medusa’ as a parent:

H. ‘Gorgon’ (sport)

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-6a, miniature size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #3701