H. ‘Little Red Joy’

Overview

Registered in 2004, this miniature hosta is a hybrid of *H.* 'Red Sox' and *H.* 'Wiggle Worms'. It is visually distinctive for its small, lance-shaped leaves with green, slightly rippled margins and a red scape; the red coloration extends into the petioles and leaf bases, a trait inherited from its pod parent.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Little Red Joy'' forms a low mound reaching approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in height and 8.6 inches (21.8 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It is best suited to partial to full shade, as is typical for hostas, and performs well in rock gardens, troughs, or as a front-of-border accent. Its miniature size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many small-leaved hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage; monitor and manage as needed. It is hardy in typical hosta-growing zones.