H. ‘Willy Nilly’

Overview

Registered in 1996 by Paul Ruh, this large hosta cultivar of unknown parentage is distinguished by its gray-green leaves with slightly rippled margins and a waxy upper surface. The upright, slow-growing plant produces deep green scapes and variegated foliage.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 29 inches (73.7 cm) and height of 18 inches (45.7 cm), 'Willy Nilly' is suited to partial to full shade in typical hosta-growing zones. Its large, rounded leaves with 14 vein pairs provide textural contrast when paired with ferns, heucheras, or fine-leaved grasses. The upright habit makes it appropriate for mid-border positions or as a specimen in shaded beds.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While hostas are generally susceptible to slugs and deer, the waxy leaf surface may offer some resistance to slug damage.