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Hosta /ˈhoʊstə/

Common name: Hosta · Plantain lily

Hosta is a genus of shade-loving herbaceous perennials native to northeast Asia, especially Japan, China, and Korea. Hostas are grown primarily for their lush foliage, which ranges from blue-green to gold and often features striking variegation. They form dense clumps and produce spikes of lavender or white flowers in summer.

Care summary

Sun Partial to full shade
Water Regular; keep soil consistently moist
Soil Rich, moist, well-drained
Hardiness Zones 3–9
Mature height 0.15–1.2 m (0.5–4 ft) depending on variety
Pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs

Fun facts

  • There are thousands of registered hosta cultivars, from tiny miniatures to giants over a meter tall.
  • Young hosta shoots (sansai) are eaten as a spring vegetable in Japan.
  • Blue-leaved hostas get their color from a waxy coating that fades in hot sun.
  • Slugs and snails are the hosta's most notorious pests.

The Hosta Patch

1 on xylery

Dandelioness Chlorophyll Dealer The variegation on the new leaf is unreal. Dandelioness Chlorophyll Dealer Watered and rotated toward the sun. Dandelioness Chlorophyll Dealer Propagation attempt #3, wish us luck.
Browse all 1 plants

Common problems

    • Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants
    • Remove debris and hiding places nearby
    • Water in the morning, not evening
    • Move plants to a shadier spot
    • Keep soil evenly moist in summer
    • Improve soil drainage before replanting
    • Avoid planting the crown too deep
    • Install fencing or apply repellents
    • Protect young plants with mesh covers