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

Tears of Joy Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Tears of Joy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Tears of Joy' is a miniature, deciduous perennial forming a small mound of heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with creamy-yellow margins that lighten to white as the season progresses.

This miniature hosta is notable for its tiny size and attractive variegated foliage, making it perfect for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of a shaded border. It produces pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Variegated leaves add visual interest year-round, especially in shaded gardens.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports pollinators attracted to its late-summer blooms.

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

6 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivar, species native to 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

Tuck seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early spring.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for best foliage color and growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
Divide every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

Avoid full sun to prevent leaf scorch ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn
Avoid planting in poorly-drained areas

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 border with variegated foliageWoodland garden accentContainer planting for shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tears of Joy Hosta questions

What zones can Tears of Joy Hosta grow in?

Tears of Joy Hosta 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 Tears of Joy Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Tears of Joy Hosta bloom?

Tears of Joy Hosta 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 Tears of Joy Hosta need full sun?

Tears of Joy Hosta does best in part shade.