perennial

Hosta Cadillac

Hosta x hybrida 'Cadillac'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Cadillac' is a deciduous perennial known for its large, lush, and textured foliage with broad, ovate leaves that often display variegation. It produces tall flower stalks with bell-shaped, lavender to purple flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vigorous growth, striking variegated leaves with creamy margins, and its reliable performance as a shade-loving garden plant.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, variegated foliage that brightens shaded areas and adds texture to garden beds.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds with groundcover growth and retains soil moisture.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators by providing shelter with its dense foliage.
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

26 inches

Width

35 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moist, humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivar

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or divide clumps in early spring for best growth
  2. Plant in well-drained, moist soil with organic matter
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
  4. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
  6. Protect from slugs and snails with organic barriers

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for vibrant foliage and prolonged bloom

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture
  • Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
  • Remove dead leaves to improve appearance

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
  • Refrain from using excessive fertilizer to prevent leaf burn
  • Don’t ignore pests like slugs and snails

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

Shaded border with variegated foliageUnderstory planting beneath treesContainer garden for shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeHeucheraBleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Cadillac questions

What zones can Hosta Cadillac grow in?

Hosta Cadillac 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 Cadillac deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Cadillac bloom?

Hosta Cadillac typically blooms in early 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 Cadillac need full sun?

Hosta Cadillac does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Cadillac 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.