perennial

Hosta High Kicker

Hosta x hybrida 'High Kicker'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'High Kicker' is a deciduous perennial known for its broad, lush foliage and tall flower spikes bearing bell-shaped, lavender-purple flowers during the summer months.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vigorous growth and striking, upward-facing flower stems that add height and visual interest to shaded garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesHosta High Kicker offers lush, variegated foliage that brightens shaded gardens year-round.
Practical UsesProvides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators by providing shelter and nectar in shaded garden areas.
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

15 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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 location with well-draining soil.
  2. Tuck young plants into the soil at the same depth as in their container.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
  4. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  6. Mist or water regularly during dry spells to keep soil moist.

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas to prevent leaf scorch and enjoy vibrant foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture
  • Divide every 3–4 years to promote health
  • Remove dead or damaged leaves

Don't

  • Avoid full sun exposure ❌
  • Don't over-fertilize, which can cause leggy growth
  • Resist disturbing roots when dividing

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 foliageLow-maintenance groundcoverSoftens edges of pathways

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeJapanese painted fern HeucheraLigularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta High Kicker questions

What zones can Hosta High Kicker grow in?

Hosta High Kicker 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 High Kicker deer resistant?

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

When does Hosta High Kicker bloom?

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

Does Hosta High Kicker need full sun?

Hosta High Kicker does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Hosta High Kicker 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.