H. ‘Shining Tot’

Overview

Registered in 1982 by P. Aden, this miniature hosta resulted from a cross between *Hosta venusta* (pod parent) and *H. 'Rock Master'* (pollen parent). 'Shining Tot' is visually distinctive for its very small, lustrous leaves with gray-green margins and a compact, low-growing habit.

In the Garden

With a mature diameter of 4 inches (10.2 cm) and height of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), 'Shining Tot' is among the smallest hosta cultivars. It performs best in partial to full shade and is well suited for troughs, rock gardens, or the front edge of a shaded border. Its diminutive size also makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Shining Tot' may be browsed by deer and is susceptible to slug damage in damp conditions; monitor regularly in typical hosta-growing zones.