H. ‘Kissing Cousin’

Overview

Registered in 1998, *Hosta* 'Kissing Cousin' is a sport of the popular *Hosta* 'Wide Brim'. This small-sized cultivar is visually distinctive for its dark green leaves with broad, creamy white margins that are slightly rippled, and for its upright, moderate growth habit.

In the Garden

*Hosta* 'Kissing Cousin' reaches a mature size of approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm) in height and 32 inches (81.3 cm) in diameter, with scapes rising 18 to 23 inches (45.7 to 58.4 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its small stature makes it well-suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers. Companion plants include ferns, heucheras, and other small- to medium-sized hostas with contrasting foliage colors.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor regularly and apply controls as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.