School Mouse Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'School Mouse'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
The Story
Plant Bio
A miniature hosta forming a dense mound of thick, slug-resistant, blue-green leaves with wavy, creamy-yellow margins. It is a member of the popular 'Mouse Ears' series. A sport of 'Church Mouse', this cultivar is distinguished by its very wavy leaf margins. The small, rounded leaves have excellent substance, making them durable and ideal for containers or edging.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a shady location with rich, well-draining soil.
- Tuck dormant rhizomes 1-2 inches deep in spring after the last frost.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture for lush foliage and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Divide clumps in spring or fall for vigorous growth
- Remove dead or damaged leaves for a tidy appearance
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely between watering
- Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause weak stems
- Avoid planting in poorly drained areas to prevent root rot
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
School Mouse Hosta questions
What zones can School Mouse Hosta grow in?
School Mouse Hosta is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is School Mouse Hosta deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse School Mouse Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does School Mouse Hosta bloom?
School Mouse Hosta typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does School Mouse Hosta need full sun?
School Mouse Hosta does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'
Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'
Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow School Mouse Hosta with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
