H. ‘Itty Bitty’

Overview

Registered in 2010 as a sport of Hosta 'Green Mouse Ears', 'Itty Bitty' is a miniature cultivar distinguished by its white leaf centers framed by wide, dark green margins. The ovate leaves, measuring 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) long and 1.875 inches (4.8 cm) wide, are moderately cupped with a dull upper surface and a glaucous bloom beneath, bearing 9 to 10 vein pairs.

In the Garden

'Itty Bitty' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height and 13 inches (33.0 cm) in diameter, with a slow growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and is well-suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its diminutive size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation, where its white-centered leaves provide contrast against darker-leaved companions such as small ferns or Heuchera.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, 'Itty Bitty' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.