Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

299 other cultivars

perennial

Hosta Dandy Lion

Hosta x hybrida 'Dandy Lion'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta 'Dandy Lion' is a deciduous perennial forming a mound of bright chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves with wavy margins.

This cultivar is prized for its vibrant, solid-colored foliage that brightens shady areas. It produces lavender, bell-shaped flowers on tall scapes in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage that brightens shaded areas.

Helps suppress weeds in shaded garden beds.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects in woodland gardens.

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

35 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

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 spot with rich, well-draining soil.
Tuck young plants into the soil, spacing 12-18 inches apart.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch and ensure healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist 💧
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Divide every few years to rejuvenate the plant
Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t expose to harsh direct sunlight
Skip fertilizing in late fall to prevent weak new growth

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 borderSilver-foliaged groundcover under treesVanilla-scented shaded border

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Dandy Lion questions

What zones can Hosta Dandy Lion grow in?

Hosta Dandy Lion 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 Dandy Lion deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Dandy Lion bloom?

Hosta Dandy Lion 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 Dandy Lion need full sun?

Hosta Dandy Lion does best in part shade.