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

Hosta Tootie Mae

Hosta x hybrida 'Tootie Mae'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Tootie Mae' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its attractive, broad, variegated leaves and delicate, bell-shaped lavender flowers that emerge in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its compact growth habit and striking variegation, making it an excellent choice for shaded borders and container planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage that enhances shaded garden beds with year-round interest.

Excellent groundcover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports beneficial insects and provides habitat for small wildlife.

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

15 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

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 dormant roots into well-prepared shade garden soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring for best growth.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in rich, well-draining soil in partial to full shade for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide in early spring to rejuvenate

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure, it can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with textured foliageContainer plant for shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera LigulariaJapanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Tootie Mae questions

What zones can Hosta Tootie Mae grow in?

Hosta Tootie Mae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hosta Tootie Mae deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Tootie Mae bloom?

Hosta Tootie Mae 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 Tootie Mae need full sun?

Hosta Tootie Mae does best in part shade.