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

Lipstick Sunset Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Lipstick Sunset'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hostas are herbaceous perennials grown for their decorative foliage. They thrive in shady conditions, forming dense mounds of leaves. In summer, they produce spikes of lily-like, trumpet-shaped flowers.

A standout cultivar featuring brilliant chartreuse-to-yellow leaves with a thin, dark green, wavy margin. Its most striking feature is the vibrant cherry-red petioles, with the red coloration extending up into the base of the leaf.

Uses & Benefits:

Vivid variegated foliage adds visual interest year-round, especially in shaded areas.

Low maintenance and deer resistant make it ideal for naturalistic gardens.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and supports biodiversity.

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

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded spot with well-draining soil.
Tuck in roots 1-2 inches deep and water thoroughly.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide in early spring every 3-4 years for best growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for optimal foliage growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist
Divide every 3-4 years for healthy growth
Fertilize early spring with balanced nutrients

Don't

Avoid overly wet or waterlogged soil ❌
Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Do not ignore pests like slugs
Avoid heavy fertilization in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderSilvery foliage accentWoodland edge

Companion Plants

Fern Astilbe Hosta 'Fragrant Bouquet'Heuchera Trillium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lipstick Sunset Hosta questions

What zones can Lipstick Sunset Hosta grow in?

Lipstick Sunset 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 Lipstick Sunset Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Lipstick Sunset Hosta bloom?

Lipstick Sunset 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 Lipstick Sunset Hosta need full sun?

Lipstick Sunset Hosta does best in part shade.