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

Fran Godfrey Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Fran Godfrey'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Fran Godfrey' is a deciduous perennial known for its lush, broad, variegated foliage with creamy-yellow margins and lavender flower spikes that bloom in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its striking variegation and vigorous growth, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, variegated foliage and subtle lavender blooms to shaded gardens, enhancing visual interest year-round.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture in shaded areas.

Supports beneficial insects and provides habitat for pollinators 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

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck dormant rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-drained soil.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Place in partial shade for optimal growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for healthy foliage and blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor
Apply mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers

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

Shaded woodland borderSilver-foliaged hedgeVanilla-scented shade garden

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraBleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fran Godfrey Hosta questions

What zones can Fran Godfrey Hosta grow in?

Fran Godfrey 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 Fran Godfrey Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Fran Godfrey Hosta bloom?

Fran Godfrey Hosta typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fran Godfrey Hosta need full sun?

Fran Godfrey Hosta does best in part shade.