Hosta Ice Cream
Hosta x hybrida 'Ice Cream'
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
Prefers consistently moist soil
Humidity
Moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Northeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta x hybrida 'Ice Cream' is a deciduous perennial known for its large, lush, and broad leaves with a creamy white center and darker green margins, producing elegant, bell-shaped lavender flowers in summer. This cultivar is prized for its striking variegation and its ability to maintain bright, attractive foliage throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall
- Place in a shaded to partially shaded spot for best color
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains consistently moist for optimal foliage and bloom health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every 3–4 years in spring or fall
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid excessive sun which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
- Don’t ignore pest signs like slugs or snails
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
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 Ice Cream questions
What zones can Hosta Ice Cream grow in?
Hosta Ice Cream 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 Ice Cream deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta Ice Cream, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hosta Ice Cream bloom?
Hosta Ice Cream 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 Ice Cream need full sun?
Hosta Ice Cream does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
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Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
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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 Ice Cream 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.
