Native to the Japanese mountain valleys, Hosta gracillima (Plantain Lily) is a dwarf hosta used by many hybridizers to produce miniature hosta cultivars. Known as the 'small rock hosta' in its native Japan, this clump-forming perennial features lance-shaped, wavy-margined, glossy, deep green leaves, paler underneath. It produces purple-dotted scapes, about 10 in. long (25 cm), in late summer and fall, which are topped by funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers with purple stripes and gracefully recurving tepals.

• Grows in a small, dense mound, up to 5 in. tall (12 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
• Part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. This plant prefers slightly acid or neutral soils. Partial shade is best but this Hosta can tolerate some sun if the soil is kept moist. Protect it from cold, dry winds,
• Perfect for shade gardens, in troughs, rock gardens, in front of borders, as edging, underplanting shrubs or in containers.
• Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.