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

Mourning Dove Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Mourning Dove'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Mourning Dove' is a perennial shade-loving plant with broad, lush, variegated leaves featuring creamy margins and a gentle arch. It produces tall flower spikes with bell-shaped lavender flowers.

This cultivar is prized for its striking variegation and elegant form, making it a popular choice for shaded garden beds and borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush foliage adds texture and color to shaded gardens.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies.

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

High to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck hosta roots 2 inches deep in prepared soil
Water thoroughly after planting, keep soil moist
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Place in shaded to partly shaded area for best growth

Pro Tip

Ensure well-draining soil and consistent moisture for vibrant foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years for healthy growth
Fertilize in early spring

Don't

Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Over-fertilizing can cause floppy leaves
Allow soil to dry out completely between watering
Ignore pests that can damage foliage

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with lush foliageWoodland garden accent

Companion Plants

ferns astilbes heucheras bleeding hearts

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mourning Dove Hosta questions

What zones can Mourning Dove Hosta grow in?

Mourning Dove Hosta 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 Mourning Dove Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Mourning Dove Hosta bloom?

Mourning Dove 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 Mourning Dove Hosta need full sun?

Mourning Dove Hosta does best in part shade.