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

Gunsmoke Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Gunsmoke'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Gunsmoke' is a deciduous perennial forming a mound of large, heart-shaped, heavily corrugated leaves. The foliage is a distinctive smoky blue-green or gray-green color.

This cultivar is prized for its unique smoky blue leaf color, which holds well through the season, and its thick, slug-resistant leaves. It produces spikes of pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Gunsmoke Hostas add lush, textured foliage to shaded gardens, providing year-round interest.

They help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in shaded beds.

Their broad leaves provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds.

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 to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

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

Select a shaded spot with well-drained, rich soil.
Tuck dormant rhizomes into soil 1-2 inches deep in early spring.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist during growing season.
Mist cuttings or divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct sun to keep leaves vibrant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide every 3-4 years for healthy growth

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

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 woodland borderSilver-foliaged hedgeVanilla-scented border

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Hosta varieties Heuchera Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gunsmoke Hosta questions

What zones can Gunsmoke Hosta grow in?

Gunsmoke Hosta 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 Gunsmoke Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Gunsmoke Hosta bloom?

Gunsmoke 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 Gunsmoke Hosta need full sun?

Gunsmoke Hosta does best in part shade.