Hosta x hybrida 'Citation'
perennial

Hosta Citation

Hosta x hybrida 'Citation'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Citation' is a perennial shade-loving plant characterized by its broad, heart-shaped green leaves with wide, creamy-white margins. It produces tall, graceful flower spikes bearing lavender bell-shaped flowers.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegation and compact growth habit, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesHosta Citation offers lush foliage and attractive lavender flowers, perfect for shaded gardens.
Practical UsesLow-maintenance and adaptable, ideal for beginner gardeners.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for beneficial insects and small pollinators.
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

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into the soil, ensuring roots are covered.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  4. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to promote growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for vibrant foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
  • Avoid neglecting fertilization during active growth

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 woodland borderSilvery foliage accentCool, calming groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeHeucheraLigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Citation questions

What zones can Hosta Citation grow in?

Hosta Citation 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 Citation deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Citation bloom?

Hosta Citation typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hosta Citation need full sun?

Hosta Citation does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Citation 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.