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

'Karma Chameleon' Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Karma Chameleon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hostas are clump-forming, herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. Leaves vary greatly by cultivar in size, shape, color, and texture. Bell-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers bloom in summer on tall scapes rising above the foliage.

The leaves of 'Karma Chameleon' emerge bright gold in spring, transitioning to chartreuse and then green as the season progresses. The leaves are heart-shaped, corrugated, and have wavy margins. Pale lavender flowers appear in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, textured foliage to shaded areas, providing year-round interest.

Helps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture in shaded beds.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and early-season pollinators.

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

16 inches

Width

33 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Cultivated hybrid; parent species native to Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck young plants into shaded garden beds in early spring.
Water regularly to establish roots during first growing season.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Remove dead leaves in late fall to tidy the plant.

Pro Tip

Provide consistent moisture and mulch to keep roots cool and healthy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide every 3–4 years for best growth
Remove dead foliage in fall

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which causes leaf scorch
Refrain from heavy fertilization that burns roots

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen groundcoverTextured shade garden

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Bleeding hearts Japanese forest grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

'Karma Chameleon' Hosta questions

What zones can 'Karma Chameleon' Hosta grow in?

'Karma Chameleon' 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 'Karma Chameleon' Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does 'Karma Chameleon' Hosta bloom?

'Karma Chameleon' 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 'Karma Chameleon' Hosta need full sun?

'Karma Chameleon' Hosta does best in part shade.