H. ‘Heart and Soul’

Overview

Registered in 2000 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Vanilla Cream', 'Heart and Soul' is a small, slow-growing cultivar distinguished by its variegated foliage: a light green leaf center bordered by a medium green, slightly rippled margin approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. The leaves are 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide, with 5 to 7 vein pairs, and exhibit a slight sheen on both the upper and lower surfaces.

In the Garden

'Heart and Soul' forms a compact mound 10 inches (25.4 cm) tall and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in diameter, making it well-suited for the front of a border, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs effectively with small ferns, heucheras, or other shade-tolerant perennials of similar scale. Its slow growth rate and small size also make it a candidate for trough gardens or miniature hosta collections.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor and manage as needed.