Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

298 other cultivars

perennial

Hosta Bob Olson

Q: What zones can Hosta Bob Olson grow in?

Hosta Bob Olson 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.

Q: Is Hosta Bob Olson deer resistant?

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

Q: When does Hosta Bob Olson bloom?

Hosta Bob Olson 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.

Q: Does Hosta Bob Olson need full sun?

Hosta Bob Olson does best in part shade.

Hosta x hybrida 'Bob Olson'

$20.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Bob Olson' is a deciduous perennial known for its lush, broad foliage that forms attractive mounds, with variegated leaves featuring shades of green and creamy margins, and it produces tall flower spikes with lavender flowers.

This cultivar is prized for its striking variegated foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas, making it a popular choice for ground cover and border planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush foliage and early summer blooms, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.

Supports beneficial insects, adds organic matter when decomposed.

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

35 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

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

Marketplace

Where to Buy

NH Hostas

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal PotPlugs

In Stock$20.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
Tuck seeds or divisions into the soil, ensuring roots are covered.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity, about 2 weeks.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide plants every 3–4 years for optimal growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil stays consistently moist for best foliage and blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide every 3–4 years to promote healthy growth

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers

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 borderWoodland edgeDappled shade bed

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Bob Olson questions

What zones can Hosta Bob Olson grow in?

Hosta Bob Olson 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 Bob Olson deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Bob Olson bloom?

Hosta Bob Olson 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 Bob Olson need full sun?

Hosta Bob Olson does best in part shade.