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 Color Festival

Hosta x hybrida 'Color Festival'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Color Festival' is a deciduous perennial known for its broad, lush foliage and attractive, variegated leaves that display a vibrant mix of colors, complemented by bell-shaped flowers in summer.

This cultivar is celebrated for its striking multi-colored foliage that changes with the seasons and its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage year-round, with striking lavender flowers in summer.

Drought tolerant once established, ideal for shaded areas with poor soil.

Supports pollinators with late-summer blooms and provides ground cover to reduce soil erosion.

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

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, keep soil moist

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 root ball into prepared soil with organic compost.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
Apply mulch around base to retain moisture.
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Remove dead leaves in early spring for fresh growth.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for best leaf color and health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t over-fertilize to prevent leaf burn
Never let soil dry out completely

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 foliageCool-toned garden accentWoodland garden feature

Companion Plants

AstilbeFern HeucheraJapanese forest grass Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Color Festival questions

What zones can Hosta Color Festival grow in?

Hosta Color Festival 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 Color Festival deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Color Festival bloom?

Hosta Color Festival 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 Color Festival need full sun?

Hosta Color Festival does best in part shade.