Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Curly Fries Hosta: Wavy Chartreuse Ribbons for Shady Pots
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Curly Fries hosta is a small plant that refuses to sit still, at least visually. Its narrow chartreuse leaves are rippled along their whole length, so the clump looks like a tangle of wavy yellow-green ribbons about 6 inches tall. In July, lavender bell flowers rise above it on 16-inch stems. It was named Hosta of the Year for 2016, and no, it does not come with ketchup.
Curly Fries at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Curly Fries' |
| Foliage | Bright chartreuse, narrow and heavily rippled; red-speckled stalks on mature plants |
| Flowers | Lavender bells in early to mid-July |
| Size | About 6 inches tall, 16 inches wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Part to full shade; morning sun brightens the color |
| Deer | Susceptible |
A lavender-colored flower, not a lavender-bed plant
Curly Fries needs richer, moister soil and more shade than lavender will ever tolerate, so the two belong in different parts of the property. Think of it as the shady-side partner in your plan: a pot on a north-facing step, a front-edge plant under a tree, a spot along a shaded walk. Its lavender flowers make a nice wink back to the sunny beds.
Because it is so small, it shines where you can see it up close. It is especially striking next to blue hostas, where the chartreuse ripples look even brighter, and it is a fun choice for a rock garden in light shade.
Growing it well
- Light: morning sun with afternoon shade gives the best chartreuse. Hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
- Soil: evenly moist, rich in organic matter, but not waterlogged.
- Water: water during dry spells, more often in containers.
- Slugs: the main nuisance in damp springs. Keep mulch thin near the crown.
- Deer: they do eat hostas, so protect plants in open, rural yards.
- Fall and winter: fully hardy in Michigan. Cut collapsed foliage down after hard frost to cut down on slug eggs and disease.
Containers and edging
Its low, arching habit is ideal for mixed shade containers, where it spills softly over the rim. For a border edge, plant a row of them for a ruffled chartreuse ribbon. Divide crowded clumps in spring as the new shoots appear.
Curly Fries is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for growers and anyone filling a lot of shady pots. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my leaves more green than yellow?
Deeper shade softens the chartreuse. A few hours of gentle morning sun brings the brightest color.
Does it get bigger over time?
It stays small, about 6 inches tall and 16 inches wide, which is exactly why it suits pots and edging.
Can it grow in the sun with my lavender?
No. Full sun and lean, dry soil would scorch it. Keep it in shade with steady moisture.
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