H. ‘Smiling Sailor’

Overview

Registered in 1996 from unknown parentage, 'Smiling Sailor' is a miniature hosta distinguished by its green leaves with yellowish-green to gold flat margins. The leaves are dull on both surfaces, with tapered bases and four vein pairs, creating a compact, low-growing form.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) in diameter and 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height, with a moderate growth rate and stoloniferous habit. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and is well-suited for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its miniature size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation, where it can be paired with other small shade perennials such as miniature ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, avoiding waterlogged soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, monitor for slug and deer damage, particularly in shaded, moist conditions.