Hosta x hybrida 'Funny Bones'
perennial

Funny Bones Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Funny Bones'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Funny Bones' is a distinctive perennial prized for its unique foliage. It forms a mound of very narrow, wavy, and heavily ruffled leaves that emerge chartreuse and brighten to yellow as the season progresses.

This cultivar is notable for its 'un-hosta-like' appearance, with its slender, rippled leaves creating a fine-textured, spiky mound. It produces scapes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, textured foliage that brightens shaded garden areas.
Practical UsesMaintains ground cover and suppresses weeds in shady spots.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like insects attracted to its 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

15 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck roots into well-draining, moist soil in shaded spot
  2. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
  3. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  4. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall
  5. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
  6. Remove dead leaves in late fall to tidy plant

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch annually to retain moisture
  • Divide in early spring or fall

Don't

  • Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid overcrowding to ensure good air circulation

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with textured foliageSilver-foliaged hedgeContainer plant for shaded patio

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns HeucheraLigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Funny Bones Hosta questions

What zones can Funny Bones Hosta grow in?

Funny Bones 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 Funny Bones Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Funny Bones Hosta bloom?

Funny Bones Hosta 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 Funny Bones Hosta need full sun?

Funny Bones Hosta does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Funny Bones Hosta 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.