Hosta hybrid 'Curly Fries' - Curly Fries Hosta

Curly Fries is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the lavender flowers. While the flowers are short-lived, the dense foliage offers shelter for small insects, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Deer and rabbits generally avoid Hosta 'Curly Fries', making it a great choice for wildlife-resistant gardens.

• Seasonality: Herbaceous perennial; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Mid to late summer (July-August)
• Bloom Description: Curly Fries produces tall flower scapes with lavender trumpet-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage in mid to late summer. The delicate flowers attract bees and butterflies and provide an added element of vertical interest to the plant.

Shade gardens – borders – rock gardens – container plantings – front of shade beds for color and texture contrast

The most distinctive feature of Hosta 'Curly Fries' is its long, narrow, rippled leaves that are bright yellow to chartreuse, becoming more golden as the plant matures. The leaves are heavily curled and textured, creating a unique, eye-catching appearance. This compact hosta adds a bold visual impact to any garden with its playful, curly foliage.

Delicate, funnel-shaped pale lavender flowers bloom in midsummer atop thin, arching scapes that rise above the ruffled foliage. The flowers are not large or heavily fragrant but do attract bees and occasional hummingbirds.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.

• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. Adding compost or organic matter will improve the soil’s fertility and drainage, ensuring healthy growth.

• Spacing: Space plants 12-16 inches apart to allow for mature spread and to create a dense, ground-covering effect in borders or containers.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Hosta 'Curly Fries'. Remove spent flowers after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy and to redirect energy toward foliage growth. In late fall or early spring, cut back the dead foliage to the ground to allow fresh growth to emerge. Regularly removing any damaged or yellowing leaves helps maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Curly Fries needs regular watering, especially during its first growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering or waterlogged conditions. In dry spells, ensure the plant receives deep watering to maintain healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought but thrives with consistent moisture.

Thrives in partial to full shade. For the best foliage color and texture, plant Curly Fries in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. Too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to burn or lose their vibrant color, but a little sunlight can intensify the yellow hue.

While Curly Fries is not typically harvested for cut flowers, the tall flower spikes can be enjoyed in floral arrangements during their short bloom period. The unusual curly foliage can also be used to add texture and interest to shade garden designs or container arrangements.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help sustain the plant through the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps protect the shallow root system from temperature extremes.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Curly Fries is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, slugs and snails may target the foliage, particularly in damp conditions. Use slug deterrents or traps if needed to protect the leaves.

• Winter Care: In colder climates, Curly Fries will die back to the ground in winter. No special winter care is needed; simply cut back the dead foliage in early spring to allow new growth to emerge.

Hosta ‘Curly Fries’ is self-pollinating. While insects like bees may assist in pollination, most hosta varieties can set seed without cross-pollination, though offspring may not be true to type.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) – offers colorful contrast and thrives in similar shady conditions

Ferns (such as Athyrium or Dryopteris) – enhance textural diversity

Brunnera macrophylla – heart-shaped leaves and spring flowers complement hosta foliage

Tiarella (Foamflower) – soft mounding growth works well at the front of shaded beds

Pulmonaria – spotty foliage and spring blooms coordinate beautifully with Hosta

Astilbe – adds upright flower structure and thrives in moist shade alongside hostas