Hosta Hosta 'Little Wonder' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Little Wonder' is a charming plant displaying lush foliage that adds a rich texture to gardens. It is characterized by its striking leaves, which are heart-shaped with a strong, prominent vein structure that gives them a quilted appearance. The leaves have a unique variegation pattern, typically consisting of a deep green margin that outlines a creamy white to pale yellow center, creating a beautiful contrast that stands out in shaded areas. During the flowering period, the plant produces delicate flowers on tall stems that rise above the foliage, adding a touch of elegance. These blooms can vary in color but are often shades of purple or white, and they have a bell-like shape that hangs gently, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Overall, Hosta 'Little Wonder' presents a compact, mounding habit with its stunning variegated leaves being the main highlight of its appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Little Wonder'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the 'Little Wonder' variety, are generally not considered poisonous to humans. They are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens without concern for toxicity. However, as with many plants, it is not advisable to ingest them since they are not intended for human consumption and may cause mild stomach upset if large amounts are eaten.
To pets
Hostas are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet were to ingest any part of a Hosta plant, it could lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, larger ingestions can cause more serious effects, but generally, Hosta poisoning is relatively mild. It is important for pet owners to prevent their animals from eating these plants to avoid any potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Hosta 'Little Wonder' requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: The plant thrives in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, adding greenery to less sunny spots in the garden.
- Attractive Foliage: With its variegated leaves, it provides visual interest throughout the growing season, even when not in bloom.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it effective at covering bare spots in the landscape and suppressing weeds.
- Container Gardening: Hosta 'Little Wonder' can be planted in pots or containers, making it versatile for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: This hosta variety can produce delicate flowers in summer, providing additional aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to Propagate: Hostas can be easily divided to create new plants, making them cost-effective and great for sharing with fellow gardeners.
- Long-Lived: Hosta 'Little Wonder' is a perennial that can live for many years with appropriate care, offering long-term value for a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas can be used as a food source in some cultures; young shoots and leaves of 'Little Wonder' may be cooked and eaten in a similar fashion to greens.
- These plants are used in education to help students learn about plant division and vegetative propagation techniques.
- Hosta leaves can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding soft green hues.
- Artists may use the large leaves of Hostas to create botanical prints or to press into clay for garden pottery designs.
- 'Little Wonder' Hostas can be planted in outdoor fairy gardens to create a lush, miniature landscape.
- They make excellent plants for container gardening due to their compact size, adding greenery to patios and balconies.
- Hostas can be employed in cut-leaf floristry; their sturdy leaves add a unique texture and shape to arrangements.
- Some pet owners use non-toxic varieties of Hostas like 'Little Wonder' to create pet-safe garden areas.
- Hosta leaves are occasionally used as improvised outdoor wrappers for grilling, imparting a subtle flavor to the food.
- In landscapes, Hostas can help prevent soil erosion due to their dense root systems and foliage cover.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, in general, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, which can symbolize the ability to withstand adversity.
- Endurance: They can tolerate shade and still grow, representing endurance and persistence through challenging circumstances.
- Devotion: With their foliage that lasts throughout the growing season, hostas can represent a steadfast and enduring commitment, much like devoted love or friendship.
- Versatility: The hosta’s adaptability to different garden environments can symbolize versatility and flexibility in life.
- Growth and Development: Hostas start small but can grow to be quite large, which can symbolize personal growth or the development of an idea or project.
WaterHostas, including the 'Little Wonder' variety, should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Aim to provide about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture first—it should be moist to the touch a couple of inches down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important not to let the plant sit in water. Adjust your watering schedule as needed during the growing season, cutting back in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightHostas, such as 'Little Wonder', prefer shady to partially shady conditions. They thrive best in spots where they can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. Morning sunlight is beneficial, but dappled or filtered light throughout the day or bright shade is ideal for the health and growth of the plant.
TemperatureHostas, including 'Little Wonder', grow well in a broad range of temperatures but prefer a range between 50°F to 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 90°F, but these extremes are not ideal. To ensure robust growth and health, avoid exposing hostas to freezing conditions or excessively high heat for prolonged periods.
PruningHostas such as 'Little Wonder' should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is in the spring when the plant is just beginning to send up new shoots, and again in the fall after the first frost when the plant goes dormant, to tidy up before winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix for Hosta 'Little Wonder' is one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or pine bark fines to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingHostas, including Hosta 'Little Wonder', generally require repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the root system has outgrown the current container. Shift to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil to rejuvenate the plant's growth.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Little Wonder' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable. Aiming for a humidity level around 50% is optimal for this plant, though it will tolerate levels slightly above and below this range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta 'Little Wonder' in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full shade, in moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Little Wonder', commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle in early spring when new shoots emerge from rhizomes beneath the soil. As the weather warms, leaves unfurl into a mound of foliage, displaying variegated patterns that are characteristic of this variety. In mid to late summer, the plant produces tall flower scapes that bear lavender to white bell-shaped blooms, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, seed pods may develop, although Hosta 'Little Wonder' is often propagated through division rather than seed. As the growing season ends, the plant's foliage dies back with the first frosts of autumn, with the rhizomes lying dormant over winter. The cycle restarts the following spring, with rhizomes producing new growth once temperatures rise.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Hosta 'Little Wonder', commonly known as a miniature hosta, is best propagated through division, typically done in either spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring a good amount of soil is kept around the roots to reduce shock. Gently tease the plant into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system attached. Replant these smaller clumps at the same depth they were growing at previously in well-amended soil, spacing them approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and help reduce transplant stress. This method of division helps maintain the health and vigor of the plant, as well as increasing the number of plants in your garden.
