Species

3 other cultivars

perennial

Maekawa White-backed Hosta

Hosta hypoleuca 'Maekawa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta hypoleuca is a species native to Japan, known for its large, heart-shaped green leaves which have a striking, powdery white coating on their undersides.

This hosta's most distinctive feature is the intense white, waxy bloom on the leaf undersides, which gives the plant its specific epithet 'hypoleuca' (meaning 'white beneath'). It produces pale lavender to white flowers in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush foliage provides shade and texture, thriving in shaded gardens.

Suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion in shaded areas.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects with its flowers.

SpeciesHosta hypoleucaUnderleaf Hosta

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moist environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck healthy rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Mist foliage during dry spells for optimal growth.
Place in partial shade for best leaf coloration.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded location with rich, moist soil for lush foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Over-fertilize 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
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady garden borderContainer accentWoodland edge

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbes Heucheras LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Maekawa White-backed Hosta questions

What zones can Maekawa White-backed Hosta grow in?

Maekawa White-backed 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.

Is Maekawa White-backed Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Maekawa White-backed Hosta bloom?

Maekawa White-backed Hosta typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Maekawa White-backed Hosta need full sun?

Maekawa White-backed Hosta does best in part shade.