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small hosta varieties

If you're searching for small hosta varieties to add charm and lush foliage to your garden, you've come to the right place. Small hostas are perfect for bringing colour and texture into compact spaces—think containers, rock gardens, or as elegant edging along shaded paths. With their tidy forms and eye-catching leaves, these miniature perennials are favourites among New Zealand gardeners who want low-maintenance beauty even in the shadiest corners of the landscape.

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Hosta 'Dew Drop'

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Hosta 'Dew Drop' is a charming perennial known for its soft green foliage edged with creamy white. It brings a fresh, bright look to shaded areas in New Zealand gardens and is well suited to smaller spaces. This attractive hosta is ideal for borders, containers, or underplanting. Its compact habit and clean variegation make it a popular choice for adding texture and contrast in low light areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small, overlapping green leaves create a unique, architectural appearance that turns fiery shades of red and orange in autumn. Compact and slow-growing, this variety is perfect for pots, courtyards, and small NZ gardens where a refined and striking feature tree is desired.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
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Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
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Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
Hosta 'Pandoras Box' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Pandoras Box'

Hosta 'Pandoras Box' is a charming miniature hosta with striking variegated foliage featuring creamy white centres edged with deep green margins...

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Hosta 'Little Sunspot' plant with green and yellow variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Little Sunspot'

Hosta 'Little Sunspot' is a compact and eye catching variety with bright golden foliage that lights up shaded NZ gardens. Its smaller size makes it...

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Hosta 'Brim Cup' plant with variegated foliage.
Hosta 'Brim Cup'

Hosta 'Brim Cup' is a compact perennial known for its blue green leaves edged with creamy yellow that mature to soft cream. It brings gentle contrast...

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Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

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Hosta 'Fire Island' plant.
Hosta 'Fire Island'

Hosta 'Fire Island' is a striking perennial known for its bright yellow leaves contrasted by red stems. It brings vibrant colour to shaded areas in...

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Hosta 'Praying Hands' with dark green foliage.
Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Praying Hands' is a unique and highly sought after variety with narrow upright leaves that fold together, creating a distinctive architectural...

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Abies concolor Hosta la Vista

Abies Hosta la Vista is a dwarf variety of Abies grown for its foliage and short stature. This evergreen conifer produces short, stubby branches with...

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Colourful foliage on a Hosta 'Lemon and Lime' plant.
Hosta ''Lemon and Lime'

Hosta 'Lemon and Lime' is grown for its yellow and lime coloured foliage. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a somewhat wavy appearance. This...

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Hosta 'Golden Tiara' plant with green leaves edged wth yellow.
Hosta 'Golden Tiara'

Hosta 'Golden Tiara' is a compact perennial admired for its lush green leaves edged with golden yellow margins. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, it...

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Hosta Wide Brim

Hosta Wide Brim is grown for its lush and variegated foliage. The bold and glossy leaves are dark green-blue with a large cream-yellow margin...

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Hosta Blue Mammoth

Hosta Blue Mammoth is grown for its lush and attractive foliage. The bold and glossy leaves are powdery blue with a chiffon-like texture. The foliage...

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Hosta Golden Falls

The Hosta Golden Falls plant features rounded that are yellow with a lime-green undertone. In summer bell-shaped, lilac flowers appear and are held...

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Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' in a garden with lush, green foliage.
Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

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Hosta Blue Angel

Hosta Blue Angel is grown for its lush foliage and lovely flowers. The foliage comprises large, textured, blue-grey leaves. In summer, white flowers...

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Hosta Purple Heart

Hosta Purple Heart features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises lime-green leaves held on dark stems. Violet-purple flowers are...

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Hosta 'First Frost' plant with blue and yellow variegated leaves.
Hosta 'First Frost'

Hosta 'First Frost' is a stunning shade loving perennial prized for its blue green foliage edged with creamy white margins that become brighter as...

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Hosta 'Pizzazz' plant with blue and white variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Pizzazz'

Hosta 'Pizzazz' is a striking shade loving perennial grown for its bold variegated foliage that brings colour, texture, and elegance to New Zealand...

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A blue Hosta 'Halcyon' plant.
Hosta 'Halcyon'

Hosta 'Halcyon' features nicely textured, blue-grey leaves which retain their colouring year-round. In summer, bell-shaped, lilac flowers appear and...

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Hosta 'Flemish Sky' plant with wavy, blue foliage.
Hosta 'Flemish Sky'

Hosta 'Flemish Sky' features impressively coloured foliage. The foliage comprises broad and wavy, intense blue leaves that are simply stunning. In...

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Hosta 'Fire And Ice' plant.
Hosta 'Fire and Ice'

Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a striking perennial known for its bold white leaves edged with deep green. It brings strong contrast and brightness to...

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Hosta 'Francee' plants with lush green foliage edged with white.
Hosta 'Francee'

Hosta 'Francee' is a classic shade loving perennial valued for its deep green leaves edged with crisp white margins. Well suited to New Zealand...

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Hosta 'So Sweet'

Hosta 'So Sweet' is a charming variegated hosta with glossy green leaves edged in creamy white and fragrant summer flowers that add extra appeal...

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Hosta univittata plants with lush green leaves, striped with white.
Hosta undulata univittata

Hosta undulata univittata is a classic shade loving perennial valued for its wavy green leaves marked with a creamy white central stripe. Well suited...

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Hosta 'Blazing Saddles' plant with cream and green variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Blazing Saddles'

Hosta 'Blazing Saddles' is a striking foliage perennial that adds bold colour and texture to shaded gardens across New Zealand. Its attractive leaves...

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Hosta 'June' plant with variegated foliage.
Hosta 'June'

Hosta 'June' is a standout shade loving plant known for its striking variegated foliage with blue green margins and golden centres. This award...

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Hosta 'Twilight' plant with lush foliage.
Hosta 'Twilight'

Hosta 'Twilight' is a striking variegated hosta with blue green leaves edged in creamy yellow that bring contrast and brightness to shaded NZ...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Loyalist' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Loyalist'

Hosta 'Loyalist' is a striking variegated hosta with bold green margins and a crisp white centre that brings brightness to shaded NZ gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Dew Drop'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Hosta, and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search small hosta

Why Choose Small Hosta Varieties?

Small hosta varieties are ideal for modern gardens where space is at a premium. Their neat clumping habit means they stay manageable, rarely outgrowing their allotted space. These petite plants thrive in cool, shaded spots—an excellent option for underplanting trees or brightening up patios with potted displays. Small hostas are loved not just for their versatility but also for their wonderful range of leaf colours, shapes, and textures. Plus, they’re surprisingly resilient and easy to grow, handling New Zealand’s variable weather with minimal fuss.

Top Picks: Favourite Small Hosta Varieties

With so many options, choosing small hosta varieties can be a delightful challenge. Here are some standout choices to consider for your garden:

If you’re interested in a larger dramatic hosta, consider Hosta Elegans for focal points in your landscape.

Design Ideas for Small Hosta Varieties

Small hosta varieties shine in a range of creative garden settings. For a cohesive look, mass plant a single variety along pathways or borders. For a playful contrast, combine several varieties with different leaf colours and patterns. Plant under deciduous trees, scatter around stepping stones, or group in decorative pots for shade-loving displays. The possibilities are endless—and with miniature hostas, you can enjoy diverse foliage without the worry of overcrowding.

Growing and Caring for Small Hostas

Most small hosta varieties prefer dappled shade, rich well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool, which is particularly important during New Zealand’s warmer months. These compact perennials are generally easy to maintain—just watch out for slugs and snails, which love hosta leaves too. Divide every few years to keep your hostas healthy and vigorous.

Embrace the beauty and practicality of small hosta varieties to transform even the smallest shaded corners into lush, vibrant retreats. Browse our range to find the perfect hosta for your garden.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Think you know our range? Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' are just the beginning — check out Prunus yedoensis, Griselinia 'Gecko Green', and Dianella 'Revelation'.
–The Plant Company

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