The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta x hybrida 'King of Spades' is a deciduous perennial known for its large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a smooth texture and a striking, upright growth habit. It produces lavender flowers on tall scapes in summer.
This cultivar is renowned for its exceptionally broad, nearly black leaves that create a dramatic contrast in shade gardens and its vigorous, clump-forming growth habit.
Uses & Benefits:
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
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early summer – Mid-summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a shaded location with rich, well-drained soil.
- Tuck seeds or division material in early spring, ensuring roots are moist.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Provide consistent moisture and avoid direct sun to keep leaves vibrant.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide plants every 3-4 years
Don't
- Avoid full sun exposure ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
King of Spades Hostas questions
What zones can King of Spades Hostas grow in?
King of Spades Hostas is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is King of Spades Hostas deer resistant?
Yes — King of Spades Hostas is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does King of Spades Hostas bloom?
King of Spades Hostas 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 King of Spades Hostas need full sun?
King of Spades Hostas does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'

June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'

Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'

Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'

Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow King of Spades Hostas 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.











































































































































































































































































































