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 Tattoo

Hosta x hybrida 'Tattoo'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Tattoo' is a small, deciduous perennial with heart-shaped, chartreuse leaves, each marked with a distinctive dark green maple-leaf pattern in the center.

This cultivar is renowned for its highly distinctive, tattoo-like leaf variegation, adding dramatic visual interest to shaded garden borders and woodland settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage that enhances shaded garden areas.

Suppresses weeds with groundcover growth habit.

Supports pollinators attracted to its 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

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

Lifespan

Many years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck young plants into a shaded spot in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for healthy growth.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Protect from direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Don't

Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Over-fertilizing can cause legginess
Don’t 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
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with textured foliageSilver-foliaged hedgeGroundcover under trees

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese forest grass Bleeding heart

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Tattoo questions

What zones can Hosta Tattoo grow in?

Hosta Tattoo 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 Tattoo deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Tattoo bloom?

Hosta Tattoo 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 Tattoo need full sun?

Hosta Tattoo does best in part shade.