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 Sting

Hosta x hybrida 'Sting'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Sting' is a small, clump-forming perennial prized for its distinctive variegated foliage.

Features lance-shaped leaves with a very narrow, creamy-white center jetting into wide, dark green margins. Produces spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Hostas provide lush, textured foliage that enhances shaded garden areas and adds visual interest year-round.

Their low maintenance nature makes them ideal for beginner gardeners seeking reliable groundcover.

Hostas attract beneficial insects and provide habitat for pollinators in shaded garden niches.

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, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Lifespan

Many years

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Early fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with rich, well-draining soil.
Tuck seeds or division material into soil, keeping roots moist.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
Apply organic compost around the base in early spring for nutrients.
Mulch with leaf mold or bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Divide hostas every 3-4 years to rejuvenate growth and maintain vigor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 💧
Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Do not over-fertilize, which can cause scorched leaves
Refrain from disturbing roots during the growing season ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland garden with lush green foliageSilver-foliaged border for contrastGroundcover beneath trees or shrubs

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Hellebores HeucheraJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Sting questions

What zones can Hosta Sting grow in?

Hosta Sting 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 Sting deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Sting bloom?

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

Does Hosta Sting need full sun?

Hosta Sting does best in part shade.