Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

298 other cultivars

perennial

Snake Eyes Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Snake Eyes'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Snake Eyes' is a distinctive perennial featuring heart-shaped leaves with a light green center, a dark green margin, and a striking thin white line separating the two.

A sport of Hosta 'Striptease', its unique feature is the narrow band of white that appears between the light green leaf center and the dark green margin, resembling a snake's eye.

Uses & Benefits:

Hosta Snake Eyes offers striking variegated foliage that adds texture and visual interest to shaded garden spaces.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.

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

18 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

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 healthy rhizomes 2-3 inches deep into well-draining soil.
Mist cuttings or divide plants in early spring for propagation.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.

Pro Tip

Plant hostas in partial shade for optimal foliage and bloom development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to retain moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain health
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
Avoid planting in poorly drained areas

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenSilver-foliaged borderTextural groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Snake Eyes Hosta questions

What zones can Snake Eyes Hosta grow in?

Snake Eyes Hosta 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 Snake Eyes Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Snake Eyes Hosta bloom?

Snake Eyes 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 Snake Eyes Hosta need full sun?

Snake Eyes Hosta does best in part shade.