Hosta 'Curly Fries'

Hosta 'Curly Fries': Crinkle-Cut Chartreuse to Go

Narrow, rippled, golden-yellow leaves that look exactly like the bottom of the takeout bag. 'Curly Fries' is small, salty in attitude and THE ONLY SIDE ORDER THAT COMES BACK EVERY YEAR.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Curly Fries'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in) foliage, with flower stems to about 40 cm (16 in)
• Spread: 35–40 cm (14–16 in)
• Flowers: Lavender, on dark purple stems
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped, heavily rippled leaves in chartreuse to yellow, softening to creamy yellow later in summer
• Features: Hosta of the Year 2016

Where to Plant: Put it where you can see it up close, such as the front of a shady border, the edge of a path, a rock garden or a container on a shaded step, and give it its own spot up front so it doesn't get lost. A group of three or five makes a bright, frilly edging. In a pot, move it to a sheltered spot or sink the pot into the ground for winter, since container roots get much colder than roots in the garden.

Companion Plants: Astilbe 'Fanal' carries red plumes at 60 cm in June and July behind this tiny hosta. Ligularia 'Pandora' brings yellow flowers from July into September at 30 to 40 cm. Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' adds white flower spikes from August into October at 45 to 50 cm. With all four in shade to partial sun, the small hosta sits neatly at the front of a layered group.

Plant Care: Plant it in moist, rich, well-drained soil with some compost mixed in. A few hours of morning sun keeps the colour bright, but shelter it from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Miniature hostas have shallow roots and dry out faster than big ones, so water during dry spells, especially in the first year. Deer and rabbits like hostas, and slugs may chew a few holes, so use a repellent or barrier if they visit. Snip off the flower stems after blooming and clear away the leaves after a hard frost. It rarely needs dividing, but you can split it in spring as the shoots emerge.

History: Bob Solberg of Green Hill Farm in North Carolina raised 'Curly Fries' from a seedling of Hosta 'Pineapple Upsidedown Cake' and registered it in 2008. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year in 2016.

Final Thoughts: Morning sun for the brightest colour, front of the bed so nobody misses it. NO KETCHUP. WE'RE BEGGING YOU.