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

Evelyn McCafferty Hostas

Hosta x hybrida 'Evelyn McCafferty'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Evelyn McCafferty' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its lush, broad, and variegated foliage with creamy white margins and lavender flower spikes in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its striking variegation and vigorous growth, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage year-round, perfect for shaded gardens.

Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in shaded areas.

Supports local pollinators and adds biodiversity to shaded garden spaces.

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

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

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

Choose a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck roots into soil, ensuring crown is level with ground.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil consistently moist.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.
Mist foliage during dry spells for best growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for vibrant foliage and prolonged bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing as it may cause legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
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 borderSilver-foliaged hedgeVanilla-scented shaded bed

Companion Plants

AstilbeFern Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Evelyn McCafferty Hostas questions

What zones can Evelyn McCafferty Hostas grow in?

Evelyn McCafferty Hostas 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 Evelyn McCafferty Hostas deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Evelyn McCafferty Hostas, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Evelyn McCafferty Hostas bloom?

Evelyn McCafferty Hostas 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 Evelyn McCafferty Hostas need full sun?

Evelyn McCafferty Hostas does best in part shade.