H. ‘Little Jay’
Hosta ‘Little Jay’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by D. Van Eechaute.
| Year registered | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | D. Van Eechaute |
| Section class | V-6a (Miniature) |
Overview
Registered in 2004 by D. Van Eechaute, 'Little Jay' is a miniature hosta sport from a streaked parent. It is visually distinctive for its sharply contrasting foliage: lance-shaped leaves with creamy white centers and medium green, slightly rippled margins, producing a clear, high-contrast variegation pattern.
In the Garden
'Little Jay' reaches a mature diameter of 7 inches (17.8 cm) and a height of 3.9 inches (9.9 cm), making it suitable for the front of a shade border, rock gardens, or trough plantings. It thrives in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and its compact size also suits container cultivation. Companion plants could include small ferns, miniature sedges, or low-growing woodland perennials that do not overwhelm its diminutive stature.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in susceptible gardens.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 3.9 in (9.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 3.6 in (9.1 cm) |
| Leaf width | 1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 4 |
| Leaf | creamy white with .4in (1.0cm) wide, medium green, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; lightly folded |
| Notable characteristics | small hosta; leaf pattern has sharp contrast |
| Plant patent | PP19,539 |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Sport parent: Sport of a streaked
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (V-6a, miniature size):
- H. ‘X-rated’ (2001)
- H. ‘Carl A. Francis’ (2004)
- H. ‘Tic Tac’ (2004)
- H. ‘Bread Crumbs’ (2003)
- H. ‘Ichi-ban’ (2003)
- H. ‘Cherish’ (2002)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #3446