This seedling of H. 'Sea Frolic' was registered jointly by Olga Petryszyn and Bill Brincka (both of Indiana) in 1994. The medium size clump grows to about 15 inches in height and 40 inches wide. Its ovate shaped leaves are deeply lobed, rippled along the margins and have good substance. Medium purple flowers on 3 foot tall scapes bloom in July.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "The rich green foliage of 'Manhattan' impresses any observer for its beautifully rippled margins. The large, purplish bracts, which subtend each flower, add an interesting ornamental effect."

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Very slow to increase. An interesting hosta with almost too many good features...The ball-like buds enclosed by purple bracts."