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 Hillary

Hosta x hybrida 'Hillary'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Hillary' is a deciduous perennial forming a mound of heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with wide, irregular, creamy-yellow margins. In summer, it produces spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers.

This cultivar is noted for its beautiful variegated foliage, which provides excellent color contrast in shade gardens. The leaves emerge blue-green with a yellow margin that lightens to creamy-white as the season progresses.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, variegated foliage to shaded garden areas, providing year-round interest.

Helps suppress weeds in shaded beds and retains soil moisture.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and supports local biodiversity.

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

16 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistently moist soil

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

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

Tuck young plants into well-prepared shaded beds.
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or late summer to maintain vigor.
Protect from late frosts with mulch or cover if necessary.

Pro Tip

Ensure shade and moist, well-drained soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist 💧
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide every few years to promote healthy growth
Use fertilizer in early spring for optimal foliage

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause weak stems
Never ignore pests like slugs that can damage leaves

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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 variegated foliageCool-toned garden bedPlanting near shaded pathways

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Hillary questions

What zones can Hosta Hillary grow in?

Hosta Hillary 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 Hillary deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Hillary bloom?

Hosta Hillary 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 Hillary need full sun?

Hosta Hillary does best in part shade.