Hosta x hybrida 'Mikado'
perennial

Mikado Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Mikado'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta is a genus of shade-loving, herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. They form clumps of leaves that vary widely in size, shape, color, and texture. Bell-shaped flowers are borne on tall scapes in summer.

Hosta 'Mikado' is a classic cultivar featuring a mound of heart-shaped, dark green, glossy leaves with a slightly rippled margin. It produces pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers on scapes rising above the foliage in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, decorative foliage year-round, with attractive lavender flowers in summer.
Practical UsesPrefers shady, moist spots, helping to cover ground and retain soil moisture.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators and adds biodiversity to shaded garden areas.
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded spot with moist, well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into soil, spacing 18-24 inches apart.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
  4. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  6. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist for vibrant foliage and flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 💧
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool 🌱
  • Divide every few years to rejuvenate plant

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause rot ❌
  • Don't expose to full sun; it can scorch leaves
  • Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderLush garden accentMoisture-loving bed

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns HeucheraLigulariaJapanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mikado Hosta questions

What zones can Mikado Hosta grow in?

Mikado Hosta is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mikado Hosta deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mikado Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mikado Hosta bloom?

Mikado Hosta typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mikado Hosta need full sun?

Mikado Hosta does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Mikado Hosta with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.