Species

44 other cultivars

perennial

Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta

Q: What zones can Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta grow in?

Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta 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.

Q: Is Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Q: When does Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta bloom?

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

Q: Does Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta need full sun?

Saint Elmo's Fire Hosta does best in part shade.

Hosta plantaginea 'Saint Elmo's Fire'

$12.95

The Story

Plant Bio

A medium hosta whose heart-shaped leaves emerge brilliant yellow in spring with a thin, dark green margin. The leaf centers become chartreuse to light green in summer.

Its most notable feature is the brilliant spring foliage color, which is exceptionally bright. It is a 'viridescent' hosta, meaning it greens up as the season progresses.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, fragrant foliage to shaded gardens, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports pollinators with its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.

SpeciesHosta plantagineaFragrant Plantain Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

New Garden Plants

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$12.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with rich, well-draining soil.
Tuck dormant rhizomes into the soil in early spring, 1-2 inches deep.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Mist cuttings or newly planted divisions regularly to maintain moisture.
Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Gradually reduce watering as plants establish, typically after 6 weeks.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote lush growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don't expose to direct, intense sunlight which can scorch 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
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland garden bordersElegant groundcover with lush foliageComplementary underplanting for shade trees

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions