H. ‘Shiny Penny’

Overview

Registered in 1997, 'Shiny Penny' is a small hosta cultivar resulting from a cross between *H.* 'Lemon Lime' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Shining Tot' (pollen parent). It is distinguished by its intensely glossy green leaves with gold, slightly rippled margins and a highly reflective upper and lower leaf surface.

In the Garden

'Shiny Penny' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 6 inches (15.2 cm) in height and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the gold margins remain most vivid. Its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, paired with fine-textured companions such as ferns or miniature sedges. It also adapts well to container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures are recommended in typical hosta-growing zones.