H. ‘Sweet Jill’

Overview

Registered in 1986 by R. Benedict, this small hosta cultivar is a sport of a cross between *Hosta plantaginea* and a hybrid of *Hosta* 'Tokudama Aureonebulosa'. 'Sweet Jill' is visually distinctive for its green leaves with cream to white margins, a pattern reversed from the typical green-centered, white-margined sport: the leaf center is cream to white, bordered by a 0.5-inch (1.3 cm) wide chartreuse green margin.

In the Garden

Mature plants reach 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in diameter, placing 'Sweet Jill' in the small size class. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the variegation remains crisp, and pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*. Its compact habit makes it suitable for container culture, rock gardens, or the front of a shaded border.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Sweet Jill' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones; monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed.