H. ‘Gaijin’

Overview

Registered in 1995 by M. Zilis and W. Zumbar, *Hosta* 'Gaijin' is a miniature cultivar of unknown parentage. It is visually distinctive for its very small, narrow leaves (4.1 cm long, 1.6 cm wide) that are light green with a narrow (0.3 cm), yellow-gold, slightly rippled margin, and for its compact, open, semi-upright growth habit.

In the Garden

With a mature diameter of approximately 11.4 cm and a height of 10.2 cm, 'Gaijin' is best suited for the front of a shaded border, a rock garden, or a trough or container, where its diminutive scale can be appreciated. It thrives in typical hosta-growing conditions of partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Its small size makes it an excellent companion for other miniature hostas, small ferns, or woodland groundcovers like *Viola* species.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, monitor for slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage; deer may also browse the leaves.