Hosta Dark Star
Hosta x hybrida 'Dark Star'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Humidity
Prefers average to high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Northeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Hostas are durable, clump-forming herbaceous perennials prized for their decorative foliage. They are a mainstay of shade gardens, producing spikes of lily-like, bell-shaped flowers in summer that attract pollinators. This cultivar forms a small mound of heart-shaped, slightly rippled, dark green leaves with narrow, irregular chartreuse margins that lighten to creamy white as the season progresses. Scapes of pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage in mid-summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 1-2 inches deep in well-drained soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Place in part shade for optimal growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains consistently moist and provide filtered shade for best foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years for vigorous growth
- Fertilize in early spring
Don't
- Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause floppy leaves
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged soil
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hosta Dark Star questions
What zones can Hosta Dark Star grow in?
Hosta Dark Star 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 Dark Star deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta Dark Star, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hosta Dark Star bloom?
Hosta Dark Star 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 Hosta Dark Star need full sun?
Hosta Dark Star 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 Dark Star 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.
