H. ‘Turtle Dove’
Hosta ‘Turtle Dove’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Section class | V-2 (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 2000, this miniature hosta was hybridized from a cross between *H.* 'Bells of Edinborough' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Indigo' (pollen parent). 'Turtle Dove' is visually distinctive for its small, blue-green leaves with contrasting blue-green margins, forming a compact mound.
In the Garden
'Turtle Dove' reaches a mature size of approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in leaf length and 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) in leaf width, making it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. It performs best in partial to full shade with consistent moisture, and its diminutive stature pairs well with other miniature hostas, small ferns, or woodland groundcovers such as *Viola* species. Due to its small size, it is an excellent candidate for container cultivation.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during dry periods; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.
Size and leaf
| Leaf length | 2 in (5.1 cm) |
|---|---|
| Leaf width | 1.25 in (3.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Bells of Edinborough' — H. ‘Bells of Edinborough’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Indigo' — H. ‘Indigo’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-2, miniature size):
- H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ (2000)
- H. ‘Ellen’ (1987)
- H. ‘Daniel’ (1986)
- H. ‘Blue Cadet’ (1974)
- H. ‘Halcyon Harmony’ (2000)
- H. ‘Bill Dress's Blue’ (1999)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5845