Hosta 'Mini Skirt'

Hosta 'Mini Skirt': Ankle-High Ruffles With Big Ambitions

Tiny, intensely wavy leaves with creamy edges that flounce like a hemline on a dance floor. 'Mini Skirt' is short, sassy and DEFINITELY DRESSED FOR A NIGHT OUT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Mini Skirt'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 13 cm (5 in), with flowers to 18 cm (7 in)
• Spread: 33 cm (13 in)
• Flowers: Pale lavender
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Thick, intensely wavy blue-green leaves with wide creamy yellow to creamy white margins
• Features: Miniature size, 2024 Hosta of the Year
• Plant Patent: USPP 26,743

Where to Plant: Put it where you can see it: the front edge of a shade bed, a trough, a rock garden pocket or a small container on a shady step. Give it an open spot, since small hostas dislike being buried under fallen leaves.

Companion Plants: Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Red Rover' keeps to 15 to 20 cm, just the right scale for this tiny hosta, and flowers white in May and June. Ligularia 'Pandora' stands a little taller at 30 to 40 cm with yellow flowers from July to September. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum adds finely cut fronds at 45 cm behind, a lacy texture against the hosta's small, smooth leaves. It's a charming small-scale grouping for a shady spot.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Miniatures need good drainage, so add grit or compost to heavy clay. Water regularly in the first season, since small root systems dry out faster. Clear away fallen leaves in spring so the new shoots get light. Remove flower stems after bloom if you like. Divide in spring if it gets crowded. Deer and rabbits will nibble hostas, so protect it if needed.

History: 'Mini Skirt' was found as a sport of the hosta 'Mighty Mouse' at Walters Gardens in Michigan, registered in 2013, and introduced by Walters and breeder Hans Hansen. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year for 2024.

Final Thoughts: Perfect for troughs, pots and rock gardens. Hummingbirds will drop by. YOUR GRANDMOTHER WILL HAVE COMMENTS.