H. ‘Nougat’

Overview

*Hosta* 'Nougat' is a miniature sport of *Hosta* 'Independence', registered in 2004. This cultivar is distinctive for its heavy-substanced, creamy white leaves marked with irregular green speckling, a pattern that extends into the leaf margins. The plant forms a compact, upright mound reaching approximately 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) in height and 8.3 inches (21.1 cm) in diameter, with a notably slow growth rate.

In the Garden

*Hosta* 'Nougat' is best positioned in partial to dappled shade, where its pale, creamy white leaf surfaces with green speckling remain most stable; excessive direct sun may cause leaf scorch or fade the white coloration. The ovate leaves, measuring 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) long and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide, exhibit a slightly shiny upper surface and a slightly shiny underside, with flat margins and a rounded base. The upright, compact habit makes this cultivar suitable for the front of shaded borders, rock gardens, or trough gardens, where its small scale and slow growth allow it to coexist without overwhelming companions such as small ferns, *Heuchera* cultivars, or miniature sedges. The creamy scapes, reaching up to 11 inches (27.9 cm), bear flowers that are typical of the species but are not considered ornamental highlights.

Care Notes

*Hosta* 'Nougat' requires consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in well-drained, humus-rich soil, but should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged conditions. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formulation; over-fertilization may promote excessive green in the leaf speckling. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, though the heavy leaf substance offers some resistance to minor slug feeding. Hardiness zones are not specified in the registration data, but typical miniature hostas perform reliably in USDA zones 3 through 8.