Miniature Hosta Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears' (PBR)

Water

The Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears' prefers consistently moist soil, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Water it deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to ensure moisture reaches deep into the soil. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy conditions you can water less frequently. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid over-saturation.

Light

Hostas, including the Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears', thrive in partial to full shade. They do best in filtered sunlight, avoiding the harsh afternoon sun which can scorch their leaves. An ideal spot would be under the canopy of trees providing dappled sunlight, or on the north or east side of buildings where they can receive morning light and shade in the afternoon.

Temperature

The Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F, but growth will be stunted in heat above 85°F. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme heat by providing sufficient shade and moisture.

Pruning

Pruning the Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears' is mainly done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune in the early spring to remove any foliage damaged by winter weather and after flowering, cut back the flower stalks to redirect energy to the leaves. Pruning is not frequently required, generally, it’s only necessary once a year or as occasional maintenance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Miniature Hosta plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix includes equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adding compost can provide essential nutrients and enhance soil structure for better root growth.

Repotting

Miniature Hosta typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Miniature Hosta prefers a moderate humidity level, around 50-60%. It can adapt to outdoor ambient humidity but should be shielded from excessively dry environments, which may necessitate the use of a humidifier indoors if the air is too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when the topsoil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in shade to part-shade and ensure soil stays consistently moist.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

'Frosted Mouse Ears' Hosta, like most perennials, begins its life cycle with seed germination, though it is more commonly propagated via division. After germination, it enters a juvenile phase where it focuses on root and foliage development, producing its characteristic small, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with creamy edges as it matures. The plant continues to grow and expand through vegetative growth each season, forming clumps. Once it reaches maturity, it will produce slender, tall flower stalks topped with lavender flowers in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators. After blooming, seed capsules may form, and as temperatures drop in autumn, the plant's foliage will die back, retreating to dormancy over winter. In spring, the plant emerges again from the stored energy in its rhizomes, repeating the lifecycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Hosta 'Frosted Mouse Ears', commonly referred to as Hosta, is a perennial favored for its foliage and can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method. The best time to divide Hostas is either in the early spring when the shoots are just emerging, or in the late summer to early fall, ensuring that they have time to establish roots before the winter. When dividing, carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, keeping as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, with a sharp knife or spade, cut the clump into smaller sections, each with at least two to three shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to increase your Hosta collection but can also rejuvenate older plants that have become too large or crowded.