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 Cat's Eye

Hosta x hybrida 'Cat's Eye'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Cat's Eye' is a deciduous perennial known for its broad, lush leaves with distinctive yellow centers surrounded by darker green margins, and it produces tall spikes of lavender flowers in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its striking foliage contrast and its ability to tolerate partial shade, making it an attractive low-maintenance option for shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, variegated foliage that enhances shaded garden beds.

Maintains ground cover in shaded areas, reducing weed growth.

Supports pollinators attracted to its insect-friendly foliage.

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

8 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

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 seed or division into prepared soil in early spring
Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots
Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Keep soil consistently moist during growing season
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, well-draining soil for best growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool
Divide in early spring or fall to rejuvenate plants

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil

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

Shade garden borderTextured foliage accentCool shaded groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Hosta variegata HeucheraJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Cat's Eye questions

What zones can Hosta Cat's Eye grow in?

Hosta Cat's Eye 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 Cat's Eye deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Cat's Eye bloom?

Hosta Cat's Eye 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 Cat's Eye need full sun?

Hosta Cat's Eye does best in part shade.