H. ‘Tonto’
Hosta ‘Tonto’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
Overview
A sport of *Hosta* 'Red Ryder', 'Tonto' was registered in 2002 and is a small-sized cultivar valued for its upright habit and contrasting foliage. Its leaves are dark green with creamy white margins, and the petioles are a distinctive dark red.
In the Garden
'Tonto' reaches 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and spreads to 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, forming a compact, upright clump. It performs best in partial to full shade and is well-suited for small gardens, rock gardens, or the front of a border. Its moderate growth rate and small size also make it an excellent candidate for container culture.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be managed as needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | dark green with .25in (0.6cm) wide, creamy white, flat margins; slightly shiny on top; slightly shiny underneath; flat |
| Flower scape height | 13–15 in (33.0–38.1 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | dark red petioles; upright; dark green with cream edge |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of H. 'Red Ryder' — H. ‘Red Ryder’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5755