H. ‘Cat and Mouse’

Overview

Registered in 2007 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Blue Mouse Ears', 'Cat and Mouse' is a miniature cultivar distinguished by its nearly round, blue-green leaves with broad, flat gold margins. The leaf center is greenish yellow, while the slightly blue-green margin ranges from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) wide, and both leaf surfaces bear a glaucous bloom. The plant forms a compact, mound-like habit reaching 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height and 6 inches (15.2 cm) in diameter, with moderate growth rate.

In the Garden

'Cat and Mouse' is best suited to partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its miniature size makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of a shaded border. The small leaves, each 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and wide with 7 to 8 vein pairs, create a dense, tidy mound that pairs well with other diminutive perennials such as *Heuchera* or small ferns. Its compact dimensions also make it highly suitable for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many hostas, slug and deer damage may occur, though the thick, glaucous leaves offer some resistance.