Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

299 other cultivars

perennial

Betsy King Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Betsy King'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Betsy King' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, variegated leaves with creamy margins and clusters of bell-shaped, lavender flowers that emerge in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegation and compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for shaded borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Hostas provide lush, textured foliage that brightens shaded gardens with minimal effort.

Their drought tolerance makes them suitable for low-water landscapes.

Hostas attract beneficial insects and provide habitat for 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

32 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moist environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a shaded spot with rich, well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or division material in early spring or fall.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Mist foliage during hot, dry periods for best growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in dappled shade for best foliage color and health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide plants every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
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 border with lush foliageDappled shade garden feature

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Betsy King Hosta questions

What zones can Betsy King Hosta grow in?

Betsy King 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 Betsy King Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Betsy King Hosta bloom?

Betsy King Hosta typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Betsy King Hosta need full sun?

Betsy King Hosta does best in part shade.