According to The Genus Hosta by W. George Schmid (1991), the epithet is derived from the term pulchellus which means "beautiful and little". It is a small size plant that grows to about 4 inches in height with a spread of around 6 to 8 inches. It is a rhizomatous species with shiny dark green leaves. The leaves are moderately wavy, ovate-cordate and erect. It bears purple flowers with purple anthers bloom in July.

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states in its Miniature Hostas chapter: "The parent of many popular small-leaved hostas...Blooms very easily."