H. ‘Josephine’

Overview

Registered in 1987 by Kuk's Forest Nursery, *Hosta* 'Josephine' is a small-sized cultivar derived as a hybrid of *H. 'Neat Splash'. It is distinguished by its green leaves with creamy yellow margins, glossy upper surfaces, and cordate leaf bases. The leaf blades measure 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in length and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in width, with six vein pairs.

In the Garden

'Josephine' reaches a mature clump diameter of 9 inches (22.9 cm) and a height of 7 inches (17.8 cm), making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with other small shade perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*. Its compact size also suits trough gardens or small woodland settings.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in dry spells, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor foliage regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed.