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 Don Stevens

Hosta x hybrida 'Don Stevens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Don Stevens' is a perennial shade-loving plant distinguished by its broad, lush foliage and tall flower spikes bearing lavender to pale purple flowers during summer.

This cultivar is renowned for its striking variegated leaves with a creamy margin and deep green center, adding visual interest and contrast to shaded garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush foliage and elegant flowers enhance shaded garden areas.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains moisture.

Supports pollinators with nectar-rich blooms and attracts beneficial insects.

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

15 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high humidity

Lifespan

Many years with proper care

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

Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck young plants into the soil, spacing 12 inches apart, in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture for optimal foliage and bloom development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide plants every few years

Don't

Avoid drought stress ❌
Don’t let soil become waterlogged
Refrain from excessive fertilizing

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 borderMoisture-loving garden bedSilvery foliage accent

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Don Stevens questions

What zones can Hosta Don Stevens grow in?

Hosta Don Stevens 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 Don Stevens deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Don Stevens bloom?

Hosta Don Stevens 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 Don Stevens need full sun?

Hosta Don Stevens does best in part shade.