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 Katherine Lewis

Hosta x hybrida 'Katherine Lewis'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Katherine Lewis' is a deciduous perennial known for its broad, lush, variegated foliage with creamy white 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:

Provides lush, textured foliage year-round, ideal for shaded gardens.

Drought tolerant once established, low-maintenance groundcover.

Supports beneficial insects and maintains soil moisture.

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

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded location with well-draining soil
Tuck seeds or divisions into soil, 1 inch deep, in early spring
Water regularly to keep soil moist during first growing season
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist and avoid direct afternoon sun for best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide clumps every few years

Don't

Don't expose to full sun ❌
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Don't let soil dry out completely

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 border with textured foliageSilvery‑foliaged hedgeCool-toned groundcover

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Katherine Lewis questions

What zones can Hosta Katherine Lewis grow in?

Hosta Katherine Lewis 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 Katherine Lewis deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Katherine Lewis bloom?

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

Does Hosta Katherine Lewis need full sun?

Hosta Katherine Lewis does best in part shade.