A non-registered sport of H. 'Umezawa', this hosta was originated by Senkichi Umezawa from Japan. The small size plant has green leaves that have a streaked variegation. It has dense clusters of pale purple flowers in August into September.

Mikiko Lockwood in an article on The Hosta Library titled, A Little About Japanese Hosta Terms defines the term nishiki as brocade (rich-colored woven fabric) i.e. something colorful and beautiful.