Hosta x hybrida 'Ulysses S Grant'
perennial

Ulysses S Grant Hosta

Hosta x hybrida 'Ulysses S Grant'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Ulysses S Grant' is a perennial herbaceous plant with broad, lush green leaves and tall flower stalks bearing bell-shaped, lavender-purple flowers during summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its large, heavily textured foliage and striking, showy flowers that attract pollinators, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesLush, variegated foliage provides visual interest year-round, especially in shaded gardens.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds with mulch, retains soil moisture.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators and beneficial insects with early summer blooms.
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

18 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northeast Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

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In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded location with rich, well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into the ground in early spring or fall.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
  4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring for best growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist but well-drained for optimal foliage health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Divide in early spring to promote vigorous growth
  • Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

  • Avoid standing water around roots ❌
  • Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing which can cause leaf burn
  • Don’t ignore pests like slugs and snails

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 border with variegated foliageWoodland garden accentContainer planting on shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Bleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ulysses S Grant Hosta questions

What zones can Ulysses S Grant Hosta grow in?

Ulysses S Grant 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 Ulysses S Grant Hosta deer resistant?

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

When does Ulysses S Grant Hosta bloom?

Ulysses S Grant Hosta 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 Ulysses S Grant Hosta need full sun?

Ulysses S Grant Hosta does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Ulysses S Grant Hosta 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.