Hosta Alley Oop

Hosta ‘Alley Oop’ is a distinctive small hosta introduced in 2001 by Alex Malloy as a sport of ‘Aoki.’ Renowned as a streaked breeder, this cultivar is valued for its extreme foliage character rather than speed of increase. The plant is notably smaller than its parent but displays much heavier substance, making it a standout among streaked selections despite its slow growth.

Leaves are heavily rippled, very twisted, and strongly wavy, with dramatic contrast where deep green areas pull sharply into the white field. Dark green spotting within the white zones is bold and well defined, creating a highly expressive and artistic look. Plants form a compact clump reaching about 10 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Pale lavender, tubular flowers appear on green scapes in mid to late summer. ‘Alley Oop’ is a celebrated streaked breeder, earning First Look 2001 awards from Kevin Vaughn and Frances Williams for Best Sport by both judges and attendees.

Details

Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Alley Oop’
Registration Status: Registered
Originator: Alex Malloy, 2001
Origin: Sport of ‘Aoki’
Size Category: Small
Mature Size: Approximately 10" tall × 20" wide (25 × 50 cm)
Leaf Size: Approximately 5" long × 3" wide (12 × 8 cm)
Vein Pairs: 5–7
Foliage Color: White with dark green edging and dark green spotting
Variegation: Streaked
Leaf Characteristics: Heavy substance, rippled, very twisted, very wavy
Scape Color: Green
Scape Height: Approximately 16" (40 cm)
Flower Color: Pale lavender
Flower Form: Tubular
Flower Length: Approximately 1.8" (4.5 cm)
Bloom Season: July–August
Fertility: Sterile
Growth Rate: Very slow
Primary Interest: Breeding and ornamental foliage
Garden Use: Collector gardens, breeder stock, specialty shade beds
Shipping: Fast shipping and carefully packaged for safe delivery.