H. ‘Sunny Smiles’

AI-generated watercolor illustration of Hosta 'Sunny Smiles' (not a photograph)
AI-generated watercolor illustration by The Hosta Farm — not a photograph of this cultivar. How we use images

Hosta ‘Sunny Smiles’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. & J. Ruh.

Year registered2001
RegistrantP. & J. Ruh
Section classIV-5b (Small)

Overview

Registered in 2001 by P. & J. Ruh, Hosta 'Sunny Smiles' is a small-sized cultivar distinguished by its light green leaves with narrow, creamy yellow margins. The ovate leaves are lightly folded and wavy, with a slightly shiny surface on both sides, and the plant forms a compact, mound-like habit.

In the Garden

'Sunny Smiles' reaches approximately 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It is suitable for partial to full shade, as typical for hostas, and performs well in rock gardens, border edges, or as a groundcover in small spaces. Its compact size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation. Companion plants may include small ferns, heucheras, or shade-tolerant annuals.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer deterrents may be necessary, as the foliage is susceptible to damage from both pests.

This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.

Size and leaf

Clump height9 in (22.9 cm)
Clump width18 in (45.7 cm)
Leaf length5.75 in (14.6 cm)
Leaf width4.5 in (11.4 cm)
Vein pairs11
Leaflight green with .13 to .25in (0.3 to 0.6cm) wide, creamy yellow, slightly rippled margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; lightly folded and lightly wavy
Flower scape height15 in (38.1 cm)
Seasonal colour changeleaves get darker green
Notable characteristicscompact mound

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

1 published registry record names Hosta ‘Sunny Smiles’ as a parent: 1 seedling.

Seedlings of H. ‘Sunny Smiles’ (1), by registration year

From the pod, pollen and sport parent fields of American Hosta Society Registry records.

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-5b, small size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #5528. How we check this data.