H. ‘Tough Hombre’

Overview

Registered in 2003, 'Tough Hombre' is a small hosta cultivar derived from *Hosta* 'Galaxy' as pod parent, with unknown pollen parent. It is visually distinctive for its thick, leathery, nearly round leaves in medium green with unstable streaks of dark green, greenish yellow, pale yellow, and yellow, all set against gold margins, and for its glaucous bloom on the leaf undersides.

In the Garden

This compact, slow-growing hosta forms a mound 16 inches (40.6 cm) tall and 19 inches (48.3 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or as a specimen in small spaces. It thrives in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, or other small shade perennials. Its small size and slow growth also make it appropriate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves offer some resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures may still be needed in damp conditions.