Hosta x hybrida 'Orange Star'
perennial

Hosta Orange Star

Hosta x hybrida 'Orange Star'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Orange Star' is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring broad, arching green leaves with a distinctive yellow margin and clusters of lavender flowers that bloom in summer.

This cultivar is prized for its vibrant orange-yellow variegation and its ability to maintain striking foliage throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesLush foliage and variegated varieties add texture and interest to shaded gardens.
Practical UsesProvides ground cover in low-light areas, reducing weeds.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators 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

Moderately moist

Humidity

Prefers high humidity environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck roots into prepared soil, spacing 18-24 inches apart.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
  4. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.
  6. Mist foliage during dry spells to prevent stress.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and provide shade for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture
  • Divide in early spring every 3-4 years
  • Place in shaded areas

Don't

  • Avoid full sun exposure ❌
  • Don't let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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 shaded border

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Orange Star questions

What zones can Hosta Orange Star grow in?

Hosta Orange Star 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 Orange Star deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta Orange Star bloom?

Hosta Orange Star 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 Hosta Orange Star need full sun?

Hosta Orange Star does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta Orange Star with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.