Hosta longipes var. gracillima, commonly known as Small Rock Hosta, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the rocky woodlands and forest margins of Japan. It typically grows to a height of 0.4 feet (0.1 meters) and spreads to about 1 foot (0.3 meters), forming a compact mound of foliage. The leaves are elongated and may have a slightly rippled texture, contributing to the plant’s ornamental value. During the summer, it produces slender stalks bearing bell-shaped flowers that range in color from purple to blue, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees.

Small Rock Hosta is valued for its foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as ground cover under taller plants. It is also popular in container gardening due to its small size. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that Hostas can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the leaves. Deer and rabbits may also browse on the foliage. To prevent these issues, appropriate pest management strategies should be employed.CC BY-SA 4.0