Mini hosta varieties

Miniature hostas are the smallest size class, which the National Garden Bureau, citing the American Hosta Society, puts at clumps under 6 inches tall. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
8
Height
2–9 in (5–23 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9
Form

8 Mini

Compare all 8 side by side

All 8 mini hosta varieties

Leaves of Blue Mouse Ears hosta up close Blue Mouse Ears Miniature hosta with thick, round blue-green leaves in a symmetrical 8 inch mound. Midsummer8 in (20 cm)
Cat and Mouse Mini hosta with firm yellow-green leaves edged in blue-green, a sport of Blue Mouse Ears. Midsummer3 in (8 cm)
Leaves of Church Mouse hosta up close Church Mouse Miniature hosta with ruffled blue-green leaves and a subtle lighter green margin. Midsummer8 in (20 cm)
Dragon Tails Mini hosta with narrow, wavy bright gold leaves in a fast multiplying rosette. Midsummer6–9 in (15–23 cm)
Leaves of Mighty Mouse hosta up close Mighty Mouse Miniature hosta with thick blue-green leaves edged creamy yellow, then creamy white. Early summer8 in (20 cm)
Leaves of Pandora's Box hosta up close Pandora's Box Tiny mini hosta with quarter sized blue-green leaves centered in white, 3 inches tall. Midsummer3 in (8 cm)
Leaves of Tiny Tears hosta up close Tiny Tears Very small venusta hybrid hosta with tiny green heart shaped leaves in tight clumps. Early summer2 in (5 cm)
Leaves of Twist of Lime hosta up close Twist of Lime Mini hosta with chartreuse yellow leaves edged in green, 4 to 8 inches tall. Late spring4–8 in (10–20 cm)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column. The heights in the table are for mature clumps, so a new plant starts smaller.

  2. Use the leaf color filter to set miniatures apart from each other when you plant several together.

  3. Keep an eye on slugs. NC State Extension advises monitoring for snails, slugs and nematodes among the leaves.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Blue Mouse Ears Mini 8 in (20 cm) 3–9 Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Cat and Mouse Mini 3 in (8 cm) 3–9 Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Church Mouse Mini 8 in (20 cm) 3–8 Midsummer Part shade
Dragon Tails Mini 6–9 in (15–23 cm) 3–8 Midsummer Part sun, Part shade
Mighty Mouse Mini 8 in (20 cm) 3–9 Early summer Part shade, Full shade
Pandora's Box Mini 3 in (8 cm) 3–7 Midsummer Part sun, Part shade
Tiny Tears Mini 2 in (5 cm) 3–9 Early summer Part shade
Twist of Lime Mini 4–8 in (10–20 cm) 3–9 Late spring Part shade

Frequently asked questions

What size counts as a miniature hosta?

The National Garden Bureau lists the American Hosta Society classes as Mini under 6 inches tall, Small 7 to 10 inches, Medium 11 to 18 inches, Large 19 to 28 inches and Giant over 28 inches.

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