Also known as Plantain Lily · 35k saves
Hosta
Hosta, the genus most gardeners know as plantain lily. We track 1140 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Hosta varieties
See all 1140 Hosta varieties →Search this genus →
17 species of Hosta
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hosta in Sow
Save the Hosta you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hosta
Whats common across all Hosta varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Hosta year
- DivideMarch, August and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if vigor declines or size is too large
- Check for PestsApril–July100% of varieties
Monitor closely for slugs and snails; use bait if necessary
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March95% of varieties
Remove all old, dead foliage before new pips emerge
- FertilizeMarch and April90% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge
- DeadheadJuly and August38% of varieties
Remove spent flower scapes (stalks) for a tidier appearance
- MulchMarch30% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Avoid
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
What goes wrong with Hosta
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges and slimy trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug pellets or beer traps 🌱 |
| Slugs and Snails | Chewed leaf edges | Use organic slug bait or handpick pests |
| Foliar nematodes | Tawny spots and leaf death | Remove affected leaves and improve drainage |
| Foliar Nematodes | Dark spots and leaf dieback | Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Hosta
Division
- Dig up the plant in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps carefully with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions at same depth, water well.
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks.
Seed
- Collect seeds from mature seed heads in fall.
- Tuck seeds into moist seed-starting mix in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and provide indirect light.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once they are strong enough.
Hosta questions
How many types of Hosta are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 1140 distinct Hosta varieties. The most popular — ranked by 35k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hosta grow in?
Across its varieties, Hosta covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hosta bloom?
Most Hosta varieties bloom in early summer, late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hosta should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.