A Ruffled Ballerina for the Shady Stage
Hosta 'Tutu' is a striking, medium-sized cultivar that brings a sense of movement and "flair" to any Canadian shade garden. Originally introduced by hybridizer Kevin Vaughn in 1992, this plant is thought to be a sophisticated cross of 'Donahue's Piecrust' x H. pycnophylla, though its exact parentage remains unconfirmed. It is celebrated for its perfectly arranged, large leaves that feature a gentle undulation at the margins, mimicking the outspread form of a ballerina's skirt. Emerging with a soft, grey-green wax in the spring, the foliage transitions to a vibrant, shiny medium green by mid-summer, while the thick wax on the undersides provides a stunning white "back" that catches the light as the leaves ruffle.
Why It Stands Out
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Ballet-Inspired Form: Its unique, outspread growth habit creates a layered silhouette that resembles a tutued dancer center-stage.
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Distinctly Ruffled Margins: Features a gentle yet prominent undulation along the leaf edges, adding texture and motion to the shade border.
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Striking White Undersides: A heavy coating of wax on the leaf bottom creates a brilliant white contrast against the green upper surface.
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Glossy Seasonal Shift: Transitions from a matte, waxy grey-green in spring to a lustrous, shiny green by mid-summer.
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Late Summer Blooms: Topped with elegant light lavender flowers in August, attracting local pollinators to your woodland garden.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
45–50 cm Height / 110–120 cm Width |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–8b |
| Colour |
Grey-Green to Shiny Medium Green with White undersides |
| Light |
Light Shade to Full Shade |
Grower's Tip
To maximize the contrast of 'Tutu,' plant it where its white undersides can be glimpsed, such as on a slight slope or at the front of a raised bed. While it thrives in the Canadian shade, it appreciates consistent moisture to maintain its glossy mid-summer finish. At our nursery in Bécancour, QC, we wait for those signature ruffled margins and the distinct white leaf-backs to appear each spring before shipping. This True to Type verification ensures you receive the authentic, structural beauty of Kevin Vaughn's "slipped through the cracks" masterpiece, fully prepared for our northern climate.
