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 Samurai

Hosta x hybrida 'Samurai'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Samurai' is a perennial shade-loving plant known for its broad, sword-shaped leaves with variegated green and creamy-white margins, and its tall, lavender flower spikes that emerge in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegation pattern, providing a bold contrast in shaded garden beds and making it a popular choice for ornamental foliage display.

Uses & Benefits:

Hosta Samurai offers lush, textured foliage that enhances shaded gardens with a calming green hue.

Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it ideal for difficult shady spots.

Provides habitat and food for beneficial insects and small birds.

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

22 inches

Width

32 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern 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

Tuck healthy rhizomes into well-drained soil in spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.
Fertilize with balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Protect from direct afternoon sun in very hot climates.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for optimal foliage growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Mulch annually to retain moisture and prevent weeds
Divide in early spring to promote healthy growth
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to harsh afternoon sun in hot climates
Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn

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

Shade garden borderPlant along woodland edgesCreate a lush, textured groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe Hosta ventricosa Heuchera Brunnera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Samurai questions

What zones can Hosta Samurai grow in?

Hosta Samurai 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 Samurai deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Samurai bloom?

Hosta Samurai 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 Samurai need full sun?

Hosta Samurai does best in part shade.