Hosta 'Silly String'

Hosta 'Silly String': Whimsical Texture with a Cool Blue Twist

Playful and unexpected, Hosta 'Silly String' offers a lively texture in a sea of bold hosta leaves. This small to mid-sized variety features narrow, ruffled blue leaves with distinctive pie-crust edges that twist and curl like ribbons. In midsummer, pale lavender flowers rise above the foliage, adding soft contrast to its edgy form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a low, textural mound
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Narrow, wavy blue leaves with rippled edges; finely textured and distinct
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Silly String' is ideal for adding motion and detail to shady beds, borders, and containers. Its unusual form plays beautifully against broader-leaved companions, and its cool blue colour offers a refreshing accent. Compact and tidy, it works especially well in small gardens or tucked between rocks and stepping stones for added whimsy.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Silly String' with Heuchera 'Grape Soda', whose vibrant purple foliage intensifies the blue tones of the hosta. Add Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' for a ferny contrast and rich colour. Frame the planting with the fine texture of Carex 'Blue Zinger', which complements and echoes the hosta’s cool palette.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Protect from direct afternoon sun to preserve blue colouring. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Clean up foliage in early spring and divide every few years as needed to maintain its compact form.

History: Hosta 'Silly String' was introduced by Bob Solberg, known for breeding uniquely textured and coloured hostas. Its whimsical foliage and compact size have made it a favourite for collectors seeking something different in the shade garden.

Final Thoughts: With its curly leaves and cool colour, Hosta 'Silly String' adds a dash of fun and texture to the shade—proof that even the smallest hostas can make a big impression.