perennial

Hosta Joshua's Banner

Hosta x hybrida 'Joshua's Banner'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Joshua's Banner' is a deciduous perennial characterized by broad, lush green leaves with prominent white margins and tall flower spikes bearing lavender to purple bell-shaped flowers.

This cultivar is notable for its striking variegated foliage and its vigorous growth habit, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, textured foliage year-round, brightening shaded areas.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant once established, requires minimal watering.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators and adds biodiversity to shaded gardens.
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

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moist, humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late fall

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In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck in the roots 1-2 inches deep and water thoroughly.
  3. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  4. Mist cuttings or divide in early spring for propagation.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
  6. Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded location and keep soil moist for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
  • Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate

Don't

  • Avoid drought stress by watering during dry spells ❌
  • Don’t expose to direct afternoon sun
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderSilver-foliaged hedgeVanilla-scented shaded border

Companion Plants

Fern AstilbeHeucheraLigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Joshua's Banner questions

What zones can Hosta Joshua's Banner grow in?

Hosta Joshua's Banner 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 Joshua's Banner deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Joshua's Banner bloom?

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

Does Hosta Joshua's Banner need full sun?

Hosta Joshua's Banner does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Joshua's Banner 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.