Hosta
Hosta x hybrida 'Frisian Waving Steel'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
28 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers humid environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
The Story
Plant Bio
Hostas are herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. They are easy to grow, shade-tolerant plants with leaves in a wide range of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. Spikes of lavender or white, lily-like flowers appear in summer. This cultivar is notable for its striking, steel-blue foliage with intensely wavy margins, providing dramatic texture and color in shade gardens. The leaves are held on reddish petioles.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young plants into well-prepared soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
- Remove faded leaves to encourage new growth.
- Protect from harsh winter winds with a mulch cover.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hosta questions
What zones can Hosta grow in?
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 Hosta deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hosta bloom?
Hosta typically blooms in mid-summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hosta need full sun?
Hosta does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'
Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'
Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow 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.
