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

Hosta Marilyn Monroe

Hosta x hybrida 'Marilyn Monroe'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Marilyn Monroe' is a perennial shade-loving plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and elegant, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in summer, creating a refined and lush foliage display.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking white flowers and its compact, vigorous growth habit, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, textured foliage year-round, ideal for shaded garden borders.

Low water needs once established, tolerates a range of soil types.

Supports beneficial insects and adds biodiversity to shade gardens.

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

16 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

moderate

Humidity

average

Lifespan

perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck roots into well-drained, moist soil in partial shade.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide in early spring or fall every 3-4 years for best growth.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade for vibrant foliage and better health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years for vigorous growth

Don't

Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with lush foliageGroundcover under treesShade garden centerpiece

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeBleeding Heart HeucheraJapanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Marilyn Monroe questions

What zones can Hosta Marilyn Monroe grow in?

Hosta Marilyn Monroe 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 Marilyn Monroe deer resistant?

Yes — Hosta Marilyn Monroe is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hosta Marilyn Monroe bloom?

Hosta Marilyn Monroe 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 Marilyn Monroe need full sun?

Hosta Marilyn Monroe does best in part shade.