H. ‘Thumb Nail’

Hosta 'Thumb Nail'
Illustration: The Hosta Farm Editorial Team.

Hosta ‘Thumb Nail’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Aden.

Year registered1982
RegistrantP. Aden
Section classV-1 (Miniature)

Overview

Registered in 1982 by P. Aden, this miniature hosta is a hybrid of *Hosta venusta*. 'Thumb Nail' is distinguished by its very small, variegated leaves with green margins and a cordate base, forming a compact, stoloniferous clump.

In the Garden

'Thumb Nail' is suitable for shaded or partially shaded positions in typical hosta-growing zones. At maturity, the plant reaches approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in height and 4 inches (10.2 cm) in diameter, with individual leaves measuring 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) long and 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) wide. Its diminutive size and stoloniferous habit make it an excellent choice for trough gardens, rockeries, or as a groundcover in miniature hosta collections. Companion plants should be similarly small-scale, such as miniature ferns or small sedges.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in well-drained soil. Fertilize lightly in early spring as growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur, though the small leaf size may reduce attractiveness to some pests.

Size and leaf

Clump height1.5 in (3.8 cm)
Clump width4 in (10.2 cm)
Leaf length0.75 in (1.9 cm)
Leaf width0.5 in (1.3 cm)
Vein pairs4
Flower scape height10 in (25.4 cm)

From the American Hosta Society Registry record.

Parentage

  • Pod parent: Hybrid of H. venusta

Similar cultivars

Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-1, miniature size):

Related guides

Registration data: AHS Registry #5700