H. ‘White Surprise’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Fortunei Stenantha Variegated', registered in 1995, 'White Surprise' is a small variegated cultivar distinguished by its narrow, dark green, slightly rippled leaf margins and broad central streaks of white to cream. The dull-surfaced leaves are held on semi-upright petioles, creating a compact, rounded mound.

In the Garden

'White Surprise' reaches approximately 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to dappled shade, where the white leaf centers are less prone to scorching. Its small size makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, and it pairs well with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant perennials such as *Heuchera*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'White Surprise' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.