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 Virginia Reel

Hosta x hybrida 'Virginia Reel'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Virginia Reel' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, arching leaves with variegated green and creamy-white margins, and tall flower spikes bearing lavender flowers.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegation pattern and vigorous growth habit, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush, variegated foliage provides year-round interest in shaded gardens.

Helps control soil erosion in shaded slopes.

Supports local pollinators with 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

16 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid

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

Select a shaded area with rich, well-draining soil.
Tuck hosta roots into the soil, ensuring the crown is level with ground.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
Mist cuttings if propagating from divisions, keep moist for 2 weeks.
Mulch with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Pro Tip

Plant in a shaded spot with rich soil for best foliage and bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to retain moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding
Remove dead leaves to keep plant tidy

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Avoid disturbing roots during busy growing season

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 woodland borderSilvery foliage accent in shady bedsVanilla-scented shaded border

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraBleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Virginia Reel questions

What zones can Hosta Virginia Reel grow in?

Hosta Virginia Reel 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 Virginia Reel deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Virginia Reel bloom?

Hosta Virginia Reel 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 Virginia Reel need full sun?

Hosta Virginia Reel does best in part shade.