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 Duchess

Q: What zones can Hosta Duchess grow in?

Hosta Duchess 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 Duchess deer resistant?

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

Q: When does Hosta Duchess bloom?

Hosta Duchess 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 Duchess need full sun?

Hosta Duchess does best in part shade.

Hosta x hybrida 'Duchess'

$18.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Duchess' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, ovate leaves with a smooth texture and elegant cream and green variegation. It produces tall flower stalks with lavender flowers in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its striking variegated foliage that maintains its vibrant coloration throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, attractive foliage year-round, especially in shaded areas.

Helps suppress weeds in shaded garden beds.

Supports local pollinators with its flowers and foliage.

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, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia and North America

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$18.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes into well-draining soil in spring
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Apply mulch around base to retain moisture
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring
Remove dead leaves in late fall for tidy appearance

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and health

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every few years to rejuvenate plants

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderSilver-foliaged hedgeFragrant shaded border

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Duchess questions

What zones can Hosta Duchess grow in?

Hosta Duchess 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 Duchess deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Duchess bloom?

Hosta Duchess 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 Duchess need full sun?

Hosta Duchess does best in part shade.