Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

298 other cultivars

perennial

Hosta May

Hosta x hybrida 'May'

The Story

Plant Bio

A clump-forming perennial featuring a mound of heart-shaped, slightly corrugated leaves. Foliage emerges chartreuse in spring, with centers brightening to brilliant gold or creamy-yellow by summer, framed by an irregular dark green margin. Racemes of bell-shaped, pale lavender flowers appear in mid-summer on tall scapes.

Valued for its striking variegated foliage that provides excellent color contrast in shady areas. The leaf centers become brighter with more morning sun exposure. It is a vigorous grower and considered a medium-sized hosta.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage year-round, ideal for shaded garden beds.

Helps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture in shaded areas.

Supports local pollinators with its early summer blooms.

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

28 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

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a shaded location with well-draining soil.
Tuck in rhizomes 1-2 inches deep in early spring.
Mist cuttings or water regularly during initial establishment.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil is rich and consistently moist for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature
Divide clumps every few years for vigorous growth

Don't

Avoid full sun, which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with textured foliagePlant along pathways for subtle interestCombine with hosta varieties for contrast

Companion Plants

ferns astilbes coral bells bleeding hearts heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta May questions

What zones can Hosta May grow in?

Hosta May 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 May deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta May bloom?

Hosta May 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 May need full sun?

Hosta May does best in part shade.