H. ‘Uniquely Catawampus’

Overview

Registered in 2016 by J. Miller, this small hosta cultivar is distinguished by its extremely narrow, heavily rippled leaves with creamy white margins and unusually tall scapes that rise three to four times the height of the foliage mound. The lance-shaped leaves are deeply folded and wavy overall, measuring 11 inches (27.9 cm) long and only 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, with four vein pairs and a slightly shiny surface on both sides.

In the Garden

'Uniquely Catawampus' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 21 inches (53.3 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. Its small stature and narrow, wavy foliage make it suitable for the front of shade borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. The purple scapes, which reach 30 to 33 inches (76.2 to 83.8 cm) tall, bear dark striped flowers and create a striking vertical accent above the low foliage mound. Companion plants should be similarly compact and shade-tolerant, such as small ferns or dwarf astilbes.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Typical hosta-growing zones apply; slug damage is possible on the thin leaves, and deer may browse the tall flower scapes.