Hosta x hybrida 'Neon Star'
perennial

Hosta Neon Star

Hosta x hybrida 'Neon Star'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Neon Star' is a perennial shade-loving plant featuring broad, heart-shaped leaves with a bright yellow center and a wide, dark green margin. It produces tall spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, glowing yellow leaf centers that brighten shaded garden areas. The variegation is stable and holds its color well throughout the season. It has a vigorous, mounding growth habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesHosta Neon Star offers lush, variegated foliage that brightens shady spots, creating a calming visual effect.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance reduces watering needs, making it a low-maintenance choice for shaded gardens.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat and nectar for insects, supporting local 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

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seedlings or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
  2. Water thoroughly to settle soil around roots.
  3. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  4. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  5. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall.
  6. Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain health.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil with dappled shade for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch annually to retain moisture
  • Divide every 3–4 years for vigorous growth

Don't

  • Avoid full sun exposure, which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Overfertilize, which can cause leggy growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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 border with silvery foliageCool woodland garden accent

Companion Plants

ferns AstilbeHeucheraJapanese painted fern Solomon's seal

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Neon Star questions

What zones can Hosta Neon Star grow in?

Hosta Neon 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 Neon Star deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Neon Star bloom?

Hosta Neon 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 Neon Star need full sun?

Hosta Neon Star does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Neon 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.