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 Marilyn

Hosta x hybrida 'Marilyn'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Marilyn' is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves with a striking white margin, and its tall, lavender flower spikes that bloom in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its dramatic variegation and robust growth, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden borders and container planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, vibrant foliage to shaded gardens, enhancing visual interest year-round.

Helps suppress weeds and stabilizes soil on slopes.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.

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

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep into shaded soil
Water regularly to keep soil moist for 6 weeks after planting
Mist foliage to prevent sun scorch during hot days
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring
Remove dead leaves in early spring for healthy growth

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil in shaded areas for best results

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture
Divide clumps every few years for vigorous growth
Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep plant tidy

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure to prevent leaf scorch ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid over-fertilizing which can promote weak stems

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 woodland borderGroundcover under treesErosion control on shady slopes

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Marilyn questions

What zones can Hosta Marilyn grow in?

Hosta Marilyn 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 Marilyn deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Marilyn bloom?

Hosta Marilyn typically blooms in mid-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 Marilyn need full sun?

Hosta Marilyn does best in part shade.