H. ‘First Class’

Overview

Registered in 2001, *Hosta* 'First Class' is a miniature cultivar of unknown pollen parentage, with *H.* 'Grand Master' as the pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its small, ovate leaves with dark green margins, slightly shiny upper surfaces, and prominent veining that creates a cupped leaf form.

In the Garden

'First Class' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) in height and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter at maturity. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and is well-suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its miniature size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation, where it can be paired with other small shade perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in containers, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur, though the small leaf size may reduce attractiveness to deer.