H. ‘Lily Pad’

Overview

Registered in 2000, *Hosta* 'Lily Pad' is a selfed seedling of *Hosta yingeri*, notable for its small, compact mound and highly glossy, variegated foliage. The leaves present dark green margins with a lighter center, a rounded base, and a very shiny surface on both sides, giving the plant a distinctive, polished appearance.

In the Garden

This small hosta reaches a mature diameter of 20 inches (50.8 cm) and a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), forming a dense, moderate-growing mound. It is best suited to partial to full shade, where its glossy leaves resist scorch better than many thin-leaved cultivars. 'Lily Pad' works well in rock gardens, as a front-of-border accent, or in containers; its compact size also makes it suitable for troughs or small woodland settings. Companion plants might include ferns, *Heuchera*, or small sedges that echo its low, rounded habit.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While *Hosta yingeri* parentage confers some resistance, standard slug and deer precautions are advisable in gardens where these pests are prevalent.