Hosta x hybrida 'Raspberry Sundae'
perennial

Hosta Raspberry Sundae

Hosta x hybrida 'Raspberry Sundae'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Raspberry Sundae' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, variegated foliage with creamy margins and lavender flowers that emerge on tall, elegant flower stalks.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking, deep red petioles (leaf stalks), with the color extending into the base of the creamy-white centered, green-margined leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, variegated foliage with attractive flowers, ideal for shaded gardens.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture in shaded areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports beneficial insects and provides habitat in woodland gardens.
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

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Consistent moisture, avoid drought stress

Humidity

Prefers moist, humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bare roots or potted plants into prepared shade garden beds.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
  3. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  4. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  5. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall for best vigor.
  6. Remove faded flowers to encourage fuller foliage.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
  • Divide every 3–4 years to maintain plant health

Don't

  • Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause floppy leaves

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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 borderTextural contrast in shady bedsGroundcover under trees

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbes Heucheras LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Raspberry Sundae questions

What zones can Hosta Raspberry Sundae grow in?

Hosta Raspberry Sundae 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 Raspberry Sundae deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Raspberry Sundae bloom?

Hosta Raspberry Sundae 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 Raspberry Sundae need full sun?

Hosta Raspberry Sundae does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Raspberry Sundae with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.