Hosta x hybrida 'Spartacus'
perennial

Hosta Spartacus

Hosta x hybrida 'Spartacus'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Spartacus' is a large, deciduous perennial forming a mound of heavily corrugated, heart-shaped, dark green leaves with a prominent, deeply serrated, chartreuse to yellow margin.

This cultivar is distinguished by its large, unruly leaves with deeply serrated or piecrust, wavy margins, creating a dramatic textural effect. The leaf centers are dark green and margins are chartreuse, brightening to yellow.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, textured foliage that enhances shady garden areas.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture.
Ecological BenefitsSupports beneficial insects and adds organic matter to soil.
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

30 inches

Width

70 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck dormant roots 1-2 inches deep in early spring.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
  6. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for best foliage growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
  • Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Avoid excessive sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady border with textured foliageWoodland garden accent

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeHeucheraJapanese Forest Grass Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Spartacus questions

What zones can Hosta Spartacus grow in?

Hosta Spartacus 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 Spartacus deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Spartacus bloom?

Hosta Spartacus 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 Spartacus need full sun?

Hosta Spartacus does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Spartacus 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.