H. ‘Valley's Hot Legs’

Overview

Registered in 2010, *Hosta* 'Valley's Hot Legs' is a small, slow-growing variegated cultivar with *H.* 'Red Sox' as its pod parent and an unknown pollen parent. Its most distinctive feature is the purple coloration on the petioles that extends into the leaf bases, contrasting with light green, flat leaf margins and a slightly shiny upper surface.

In the Garden

'Valley's Hot Legs' reaches approximately 14 inches (35 cm) in height and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and pairs well with small ferns, heucheras, or other miniature perennials that do not overwhelm its compact form. The upright, nearly round leaves with cordate bases create a tidy, mounded habit.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in containers, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. The small size and slow growth make this cultivar less appealing to deer and slugs than larger hostas, though standard protective measures are advisable in high-pressure areas.