H. ‘Little Darling’

Overview

Registered in 1994, *Hosta* 'Little Darling' is a small-sized cultivar of unknown parentage. It is visually distinguished by its dark green leaves with wide, creamy white margins and an exceptionally glossy surface on both the upper and lower leaf faces.

In the Garden

'Little Darling' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 13 inches (33.0 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with other small perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*. The shiny foliage provides textural contrast when planted near fine-leaved plants like ferns.

Care Notes

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