perennial

Hosta Cupid's Dart

Hosta x hybrida 'Cupid's Dart'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Cupid's Dart' is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its compact, clump-forming habit, broad ovate leaves, and lavender flowers that bloom in summer, providing elegant foliage and floral display.

This cultivar is distinguished by its unusually narrow, dart-shaped leaves and early flowering time, making it a striking and unique addition to shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, textured foliage that brightens shaded garden areas.
Practical UsesSuppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion in shaded spots.
Ecological BenefitsSupports beneficial insects and maintains soil moisture.
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

8 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a shaded spot with moist, well-drained loam soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into the ground in early spring or fall.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
  4. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
  6. Divide clumps every 3-4 years for optimal growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist for vibrant foliage and healthy blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds
  • Divide clumps every few years for renewal

Don't

  • Avoid dry, sunny locations ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy, compacted soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with lush foliageGroundcover under trees

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeHeucheraLigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Cupid's Dart questions

What zones can Hosta Cupid's Dart grow in?

Hosta Cupid's Dart 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 Cupid's Dart deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hosta Cupid's Dart, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hosta Cupid's Dart bloom?

Hosta Cupid's Dart 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 Cupid's Dart need full sun?

Hosta Cupid's Dart does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Cupid's Dart 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.