H. ‘Ghost Mouse’

Overview

Registered in 2014 by M. Zilis and K. Schwarz, 'Ghost Mouse' is a miniature sport of *Hosta* 'Itty Bitty' distinguished by its blue-green leaves with gold margins that develop a pale yellow misting speckled with green as the foliage transitions from yellow to green. The leaves exhibit a dull upper surface with a glaucous bloom beneath, ovate shape with rounded base, moderate cupping, and lightly wavy margins.

In the Garden

Reaching 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height and 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter, this slow-growing mound-forming cultivar is suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its miniature size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation, where its compact habit and subtle color shifts can be appreciated at close range. Companion plants should be similarly small-scale, such as miniature ferns or dwarf sedges, to avoid overwhelming the diminutive hosta.

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, protect from slugs and snails, though the glaucous leaf coating may offer some resistance; deer may browse the foliage in typical hosta-growing zones.