The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta montana 'Kinkaku' is a vigorous perennial known for its large, lush, variegated foliage featuring creamy yellow margins and broad green centers. It produces tall flower spikes with lavender flowers in summer.
This cultivar is prized for its striking variegation and ability to thrive in shaded garden areas, providing both visual interest and reliable foliage coverage.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
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 rhizomes into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for rejuvenation.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
- Place in partial shade for optimal growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil stays moist and provide partial shade for best foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist.
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Place in partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Don't
- Avoid full sun exposure which can scorch leaves. ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely.
- Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn.
- Never neglect dividing for overgrown clumps.
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta questions
What zones can Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta grow in?
Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' 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 Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta bloom?
Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' 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 Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta need full sun?
Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' Hosta does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'
June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'
Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'
Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'
Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Kinkaku 'Frances Williams' 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.