Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Mouseketeer Hosta: A Small Mound That Looks Lit from Within
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Mouseketeer hosta is a small hosta in the mouse-ears style, with round, thick leaves on a plant a little larger than the true miniatures. Each leaf has a broad yellow center edged and flecked with green and blue-green, and the variegation runs right down the leaf stems to the crown, so the little clump looks lit from within.
It is a shade plant, which means its place is on the shady side of the property, not in the hot, dry ground where lavender grows.
Mouseketeer at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Mouseketeer' |
| Foliage | Round, thick, slightly cupped; yellow centers with green flecks and blue-green margins |
| Flowers | Small lavender bells on scapes 8 to 10 inches tall |
| Size | About 9 inches tall, 16 to 18 inches wide |
| Bloom | Early summer |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade, or full shade |
An edging plant for the shady walk
Mouseketeer is made for lining things: a shaded walkway, the front of a bed under trees, the edge of a patio on the north side of the house. A row of them reads as a bright, even ribbon, and the yellow centers lift dark mulch and deep shade. At 16 to 18 inches wide, plants set about a foot and a half apart will knit into a continuous edge in a few seasons.
On a property that already has a sunny lavender bed, a Mouseketeer edging gives the shady side its own finished look, and the lavender-colored bells in early summer are a small echo across the yard. Lay out both in the Companion Plant Planner.
Care for small hostas
- Soil: rich and evenly moist, but well drained. Small hostas resent soggy winter soil.
- Light: a little gentle morning sun keeps the yellow bright; avoid hot afternoon sun.
- Containers: use a mix that drains freely, and protect pots from repeated freeze and thaw.
- After bloom: trim off spent scapes to keep the mound tidy.
- Pests: thick leaves help against slugs, but check after rainy spells.
In troughs and pots
Mouseketeer is a good centerpiece for a mixed trough of miniatures. Its round, glowing leaves contrast with blue mouse-ear types and fine-textured sedges. Keep the trough in shade, water when the top inch dries and make sure it drains well all winter.
Formats
Mouseketeer is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for growers and anyone edging long shaded paths. See the product page for current availability, or the Wholesale Hub for tray orders.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mouseketeer a miniature hosta?
It is small, about 9 inches tall, and slightly larger than true miniatures, which makes it a little more forgiving in the ground.
Will the yellow fade in shade?
Some gentle light helps the yellow stay bright. Deep shade is fine but the color may be softer.
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