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

Showboat Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Showboat'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Showboat' is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial prized for its large, heart-shaped, wavy-margined leaves. The leaves are variegated, featuring dark green centers and wide, irregular margins that emerge chartreuse and mature to a creamy white or pale yellow.

The key feature of 'Showboat' is its striking variegated foliage with wide, creamy margins that brighten shady areas. It is a vigorous grower, forming a large, dense mound. In mid-summer, it produces tall scapes of bell-shaped, lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush foliage and early season interest in shaded gardens.

Easy to grow and maintain, tolerates a variety of soil conditions.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects in shaded garden niches.

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

20 inches

Width

36 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

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck healthy rhizomes 2 inches deep into moist, well-drained soil
Place in partial shade for optimal growth
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist and provide filtered shade for best display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
Don’t plant in poorly drained soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenSilver-foliaged borderTextural contrast in shade beds

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraBleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Showboat Hosta questions

What zones can Showboat Hosta grow in?

Showboat 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 Showboat Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Showboat Hosta bloom?

Showboat 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 Showboat Hosta need full sun?

Showboat Hosta does best in part shade.