H. ‘Noel’

Overview

Registered in 1983 by R. Benedict, this miniature cultivar originated as a sport of *Hosta* 'Beatrice'. 'Noel' is visually distinctive for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves that present a white center with thin green margins, a color pattern that reverses the typical green-center, white-edge arrangement found in many variegated hostas.

In the Garden

'Noel' forms a compact, stoloniferous clump reaching 6 inches (15.2 cm) in both height and diameter, making it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or trough plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its white-centered leaves remain crisp and well-defined. The diminutive size and vigorous growth habit also suit container cultivation, where it can be paired with other miniature perennials such as small ferns or *Heuchera* cultivars.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, as the thin leaves are prone to desiccation in dry conditions. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Noel' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its small stature may make it less conspicuous to browsing animals than larger cultivars.