H. ‘Marcella’

Overview

Registered in 2002, *Hosta* 'Marcella' is a small-sized cultivar of unknown parentage (pollen parent not recorded) from the pod parent *Hosta* 'Nancy Minks'. It is visually distinguished by its medium green, ovate leaves with creamy white margins that range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6–1.3 cm) wide, often exhibiting unstable streaking toward the leaf center.

In the Garden

This compact, mound-forming hosta reaches a mature diameter of 16 inches (40.6 cm) and a height of 7.5 inches (19.1 cm), 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 shade perennials such as *Heuchera* or ferns. Its slow growth rate and small stature also make it a candidate for trough gardens or shaded patio pots.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be warranted in areas where these pests are prevalent.