H. ‘Saw Mill’

Overview

Registered in 1999 as a miniature sport of Hosta 'Outhouse Delight', 'Saw Mill' is distinguished by its very small, heavily rippled leaves with light green margins and a slightly shiny surface on both sides. The plant forms a compact mound reaching only 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) in diameter and 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) in height, with leaves measuring 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) wide, each bearing three vein pairs and a tapered base.

In the Garden

'Saw Mill' is best suited for partial to full shade, typical of miniature hostas, and its slow growth rate makes it ideal for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of a shaded border. At maturity, the plant remains a small, dense mound approximately 5.5 inches across and less than 2 inches tall, with green scapes reaching up to 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height. Its diminutive size pairs well with other miniature hostas, small ferns, or shade-tolerant groundcovers such as Tiarella or Sedum; it also performs well in containers where its compact habit can be appreciated up close.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. 'Saw Mill' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, typical for hostas, so monitoring and protective measures may be necessary in gardens where these pests are prevalent.