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

War Party Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'War Party'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'War Party' is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its broad, lush foliage and charming, bell-shaped flowers that typically bloom in shades of lavender or pale purple during summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its wavy, lance-shaped green leaves with creamy-white margins. The leaf stems (petioles) are notably speckled with red, adding to its visual appeal.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush foliage adds texture and color to shaded gardens, providing year-round interest.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and reduces soil erosion.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects with its flowers and foliage.

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

28 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast 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 seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early spring
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth period
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and health

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature 🌱
Divide every 3-4 years for healthy growth

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
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 borderSilvery foliage accent in shady bedsContainer planting on shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraBleeding Heart Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

War Party Hosta questions

What zones can War Party Hosta grow in?

War Party 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 War Party Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does War Party Hosta bloom?

War Party 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 War Party Hosta need full sun?

War Party Hosta does best in part shade.