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

Handsome Devil Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Handsome Devil'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hostas are herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. Native to northeast Asia, they are a mainstay of shade gardens. They form clumps of leaves in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and produce spikes of lily-like, often fragrant, flowers in summer.

'Handsome Devil' is a striking medium-large hosta featuring heart-shaped leaves with a narrow, creamy-white to chartreuse center and a very wide, irregular blue-green margin. It produces pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers on tall scapes in midsummer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush foliage and early summer blooms, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Drought tolerant once established, with low maintenance needs.

Supports beneficial insects and adds shade to the garden ecosystem.

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

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden Origin

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with well-draining soil
Tuck seeds or divisions into soil, spacing 12 inches apart
Water regularly to keep soil moist for 6 weeks after planting
Mist cuttings if propagating via division during early spring
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas for best foliage display and drought tolerance

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide clumps every 3-4 years for vigorous growth
Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep plant tidy

Don't

Avoid excessive sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t over-fertilize to prevent weak stems
Refrain from planting in poorly drained soil
Avoid disturbing roots during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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 borderSilver-foliaged hedgeVanilla-scented shaded border

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Handsome Devil Hosta questions

What zones can Handsome Devil Hosta grow in?

Handsome Devil 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 Handsome Devil Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Handsome Devil Hosta bloom?

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

Does Handsome Devil Hosta need full sun?

Handsome Devil Hosta does best in part shade.