Hosta 'Sea Octopus' – Narrow, Twisting Foliage from 1981

Hosta 'Sea Octopus': Tentacle-Like Leaves by Seaver

Registered in 1981 by Seaver, 'Sea Octopus' earns its nautical name through extraordinarily long, narrow, twisting leaves that radiate from the crown like tentacles. This cultivar breaks the hosta mold of broad, ovate leaves, offering a radically different silhouette that adds linear texture to shade gardens.

Unique Morphology

• Family: Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Hosta (HOSS-tuh)
• Cultivar: Sea Octopus
• Hybridized by: Seaver
• Registered/Introduced: 1981

Design Applications

'Sea Octopus' forms a medium-sized mound of extremely narrow, strap-like leaves that twist and curl. The foliage is medium green with a glossy finish. The overall effect is grass-like or fern-like, providing a textural counterpoint to broad-leaved hostas and other shade perennials. The leaves move gracefully in the slightest breeze.

This cultivar's unusual form makes it a standout specimen. Plant it where the twisting foliage can be observed—near water features, in Asian-inspired gardens, or as a focal point in a shaded courtyard. Lavender flowers appear on proportionate scapes in summer. 'Sea Octopus' proves that hosta diversity encompasses not just color and size, but fundamental leaf architecture.