Hosta First Mate

Plantain Lily First Mate Hosta

Hosta 'First Mate' — a miniature to small variegated hosta prized for its bright white centers bordered by dark green margins. The narrow, pointed leaves form a tight upright mound with crisp contrast, making it especially valuable for miniature hosta collections, edging, and containers. Lavender flowers rise above the foliage in midsummer, adding delicate seasonal color while the foliage remains the primary ornamental feature.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 12–16 in
Height: 6–8 in (to ~14 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b

Form: Compact, upright mound

Light: Partial shade to full shade; best center color in filtered shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Ideal for edging, trough gardens, containers, miniature hosta collections, and small woodland spaces. Its crisp white center contrasts beautifully with miniature blue hostas, mosses, and dwarf ferns.

Care:
Protect pale centers from strong afternoon sun to prevent scorch. Maintain consistent moisture and mulch lightly to keep roots cool. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and clean old foliage in early spring. Divide only when clumps become crowded. 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

6-8"

Width

12-16"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid Summer

Attracts

Bees, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Mounded, Upright

Drought tolerant

No