Hosta Tattoo

Hosta ‘Tattoo’ is a truly iconic and registered hosta introduced by Tony Avent in 1998 as a sport of ‘Little Aurora’. This miniature to small hosta is celebrated worldwide for its unmistakable foliage pattern and remains one of the most visually unique hostas ever introduced.

The small, rounded leaves emerge a bright golden yellow and are distinctly marked with a dark green maple-leaf–shaped “tattoo” in the center of each leaf, bordered by lighter green tones. This watermark effect creates a dramatic, almost hand-painted appearance that sets ‘Tattoo’ apart from traditional variegated hostas. Leaves have good substance with light cupping, enhancing the clarity of the central pattern.

Plants form a compact clump reaching approximately 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide, making ‘Tattoo’ ideal for containers, troughs, rock gardens, and close-up display where its intricate foliage can be appreciated. Lavender flowers appear on scapes up to 12 inches tall in late spring to early summer.

A legendary miniature hosta that continues to turn heads decades after its introduction and remains a highly sought-after collector plant.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Tattoo’
Registration Status: Registered
Originator: Tony Avent, 1998
Parentage: ‘Little Aurora’ sport
Size Category: Miniature to Small
Mature Size: Approximately 6 inches tall x 12 inches wide
Leaf Size: Approximately 3 inches long x 3 inches wide
Foliage Color: Golden yellow with green watermark and green margin
Variegation: Medio-variegated with central maple-leaf pattern
Leaf Shape: Rounded, cupped, ovate
Scape Height: Approximately 12 inches
Flower Color: Lavender
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Patents: expired
Primary Interest: Ornamental foliage
RH Rating: RH4 (Very Rare – only a limited number of sellers or gardens offer this cultivar)
Known Sports: ‘Tomahawk’, ‘Va Va Voom’