perennial

Hosta

Hosta nigrescens

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta nigrescens is a perennial shade-loving plant characterized by its broad, dark green to nearly black foliage and tall, lavender to purple flower spikes that emerge in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking dark foliage that provides a dramatic contrast in shade gardens and its relatively compact growth habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage that adds visual interest year-round.

Low-maintenance groundcover suitable for shaded areas.

Supports local pollinators and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

40 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a shaded or partially shaded spot in the garden.
Tuck young plants into well-draining, rich soil with organic matter.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall for best health.
Mist foliage during dry periods to prevent leaf scorch.

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide in early spring or fall

Don't

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

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderTextured groundcoverElegant shaded border

Companion Plants

Ferns Heuchera AstilbeJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta questions

What zones can Hosta grow in?

Hosta is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta bloom?

Hosta 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 need full sun?

Hosta does best in part shade.