This adorable miniature hosta is small but mighty! Its heart-shaped leaves have yellow to ivory edges and blue-green centers, resembling the ears of a little critter. With extra thick leaves, 'Mighty Mouse' holds its own against garden pests.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Mighty Mouse'

Common Name: Mighty Mouse Hosta

Garden Size: 7-8 inches tall by 12 inches wide; scape height 12 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding, Compact

Foliage: Miniature, heart-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and creamy yellow margins. As the season progresses, the leaf centers change from blue-green to gray-green and the edges change from yellow to creamy white. The leafs are very stiff and sometimes have a slight fold or wave.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on short scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to mid summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: IV-4b (Small Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’