H. ‘Curlicue’

Overview

Registered in 2001, *Hosta* 'Curlicue' is a large, upright cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'William Lachman'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Maekawa'* (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its heavily rippled, recumbent leaves that are blue-green with gold margins, further variegated with streaks of medium green, dark green, light green, greenish yellow, and yellow.

In the Garden

'Curlicue' reaches a mature diameter of 30 inches (76.2 cm) and a height of 23 inches (58.4 cm), with scapes rising 29 to 32 inches (73.7 to 81.3 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its moderate growth rate makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen plant. The large, leathery, white-backed leaves provide textural contrast when paired with finer-textured perennials such as ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, particularly during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. The thick, leathery foliage offers some resistance to slugs, but standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions.