Hosta x hybrida 'Old Faithful'
perennial

Old Faithful Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Old Faithful'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Old Faithful' is a large, herbaceous perennial forming a mound of heart-shaped, corrugated, golden-yellow leaves. It produces spikes of pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers in summer.

This cultivar is known for its sturdy, upright mound of bright golden foliage that holds its color well, especially with some morning sun. It is a vigorous grower.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds lush, textured foliage to shady gardens, year-round interest.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and deer-resistant, suitable for low-maintenance beds.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for beneficial insects and ground cover.
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

25 inches

Width

55 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck roots into prepared soil in early spring.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  3. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
  4. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring.
  5. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain health.
  6. Remove dead leaves in fall for tidy appearance.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture
  • Divide in early spring for vigorous growth

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t place in full sun which can scorch leaves
  • Refrain from fertilizing after mid-summer

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderSoftening foundation plantingCool woodland garden

Companion Plants

Fern AstilbeHeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Old Faithful Hosta questions

What zones can Old Faithful Hosta grow in?

Old Faithful 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 Old Faithful Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Old Faithful Hosta bloom?

Old Faithful 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 Old Faithful Hosta need full sun?

Old Faithful Hosta does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Old Faithful 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.