H. ‘Hotcakes’

Overview

Registered in 2009 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Lakeside Cupcake', 'Hotcakes' is a medium-sized variegated cultivar distinguished by its nearly round, cordate-based leaves with dark green margins and a lighter center. The leaf blade measures 6 inches (15.2 cm) in both length and width, with ten pairs of veins.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 22 inches (55.9 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its rounded leaves and moderate size make it suitable for border fronts, woodland gardens, or as a groundcover in shaded beds. The scapes rise 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 cm) above the foliage. Companion plants may include ferns, *Heuchera*, or other small to medium hostas with contrasting leaf shapes or colors.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor regularly and apply controls as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.