H. ‘Illicit Affair’

Overview

Registered in 2003 by Winterberry Farms and J. Anderson, this miniature hosta is a sport of *Hosta* 'Cheatin Heart'. It is visually distinctive for its unusual color development: emerging all gold, then maturing to a medium green leaf center with a narrow, golden yellow margin.

In the Garden

'Hellicit Affair' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height and 7 inches (17.8 cm) in diameter, with a medium-fast growth rate. Its small size and nearly round, moderately flat, lightly wavy leaves make it well suited for troughs, rock gardens, or the front of a shaded border. It performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with other miniature hostas or small woodland perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Tiarella*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage, so monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.