This cultivar is a hybrid of H. venusta × H. 'Rock Master' that was registered by Paul Aden of New York in 1982 but the originator is unknown. It forms a miniature size (5½ inches high by 15 inches wide) mound of ovate shaped, slightly wavy foliage of smooth texture and very thick substance. In August, it produces pale purple flowers on 12 inch high scapes followed by viable seeds.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "Over the years, 'Shining Tot' has proven to be a premier dwarf-size hosta. It can be successfully grown in troughs, as well as in the shaded rock garden. Hybridizers have found it to be a superior breeding plant, producing dwarf-size seedlings with good substance. Overall, it is much like H. pulchella in both foliage and flower."

The Book of Little Hostas by Kathy and Michael Shadrack (2010) says: "The growth rate makes it an ideal plant for troughs, trays, and deck boxes."

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "An excellent parent which has produced many good cultivars. One of the most vigorous and reliable of the miniature hostas. Exhibits many characteristics of H. pulchella, even though it was registered with H. venusta as the pod parent, this is unlikely...highly glossy leaves, a trait which is usually passed on to its offspring."