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 My Friend Nancy

Hosta x hybrida 'My Friend Nancy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'My Friend Nancy' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, variegated leaves with white margins and lavender flowers that appear in summer, creating a lush, decorative foliage display.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its striking variegation and compact growth habit, making it ideal for edging and container planting in shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush foliage provides year-round interest in shaded areas.

Helps suppress weeds and soil erosion in woodland gardens.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects with its flowers.

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

Moderately moist

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivated hybrid

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck nursery-grown plants into moist, well-drained soil in early spring.
Water regularly to establish roots, especially during dry spells.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain vigor.
Protect from direct afternoon sun in hot climates.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for best foliage growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool
Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to full afternoon sun in hot climates
Refrain from using heavy, clay soil without amendments

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 understoryFlowering foliage accent

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese Forest Grass Solomon's Seal

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta My Friend Nancy questions

What zones can Hosta My Friend Nancy grow in?

Hosta My Friend Nancy 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 My Friend Nancy deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta My Friend Nancy bloom?

Hosta My Friend Nancy typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hosta My Friend Nancy need full sun?

Hosta My Friend Nancy does best in part shade.