H. ‘Playboy’
Hosta ‘Playboy’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-1 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2015, *Hosta* 'Playboy' is a small, mound-forming cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, derived from *Hosta* 'Hearts and Flowers'. It is visually distinguished by its ovate, variegated leaves with medium green, slightly rippled margins, dull surfaces, and notably heavy substance, combined with twisted and branched petioles.
In the Garden
'Playboy' reaches a mature height of 9 inches (22.9 cm) and a spread of 12 inches (30.5 cm), forming a compact, moderate-growing mound. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and is well-suited to rock gardens, container culture, or the front of shaded borders. Its small stature and heavy leaf substance make it a durable choice for pairing with other small hostas, ferns, or woodland groundcovers.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While the heavy leaf substance offers some resistance, standard slug and deer deterrents are recommended in areas where these pests are prevalent.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6.5 in (16.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | medium green slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 16 in (40.6 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | very heavy substance, twisted and branched petioles |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Hearts and Flowers' — H. ‘Hearts and Flowers’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-1, small size):
- H. ‘Chocolate Mint’ (2014)
- H. ‘Green Bag’ (2014)
- H. ‘Urchin’ (2013)
- H. ‘Black and Blue’ (2010)
- H. ‘Devil's Poker’ (2009)
- H. ‘Almost’ (2005)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4390