Hosta
Hosta x hybrida
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Northeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
The Story
Plant Bio
Hostas are primarily grown for their foliage and are popular for shade gardens. Hostas are hybrids and may exhibit unique leaf shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the specific cultivar.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded site with well-draining, rich soil.
- Tuck young plants into the soil at the same depth they were in their pots.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for propagation.
- Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for vigorous growth.
Pro Tip
Add organic compost to enrich soil and promote lush foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Divide plants in early spring for rejuvenation
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Keep the crown above soil level to prevent rot
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves
- Never ignore pests like slugs and snails
- Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments
- Don’t neglect winter protection in colder zones
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hosta questions
What zones can Hosta grow in?
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 Hosta deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hosta bloom?
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 Hosta need full sun?
Hosta 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 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.
