Add a spot of sunshine to your shade garden with this adorable, sunny little hosta. 'Sun Mouse' features small but sturdy, rounded, gold leaves, reminiscent of a mouse's ears. A good yellow counterpart to fellow mini-hosta, 'Blue Mouse Ears.'

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Sun Mouse' PP 30033

Common Name: Sun Mouse Hosta

Garden Size: 6 inches tall by 12-18 inches wide; scape height 6-9 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, rounded, yellow-green leaves that grow in a tight, compact mound. The leaves are thick and sometimes have a slight wave or twist. The foliage holds its yellow color well into the summer but eventually turns greens.

Flowers: Lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes just above the foliage. Blooms 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-3 (Small Leaved, Yellow)

Parentage: H. 'Unnamed seedling 05-058' x H. 'Unnamed seedling 04-316'