What hardiness zones is Hosta Hybrids suitable for?

Hosta Hybrids is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Hosta Hybrids?

Hosta Hybrids requires Part Shade.

How much water does Hosta Hybrids need?

Hosta Hybrids has Medium water needs.

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Perennials

Hosta Hybrids

hosta

Asparagaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; parent species from Japan, China, Korea

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height6-36 inches (15-90 cm)

Width6-48 inches (15-120 cm)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Hummingbirds Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Hosta hybrids are hostas (plantain lilies), deciduous perennials growing 6-36 inches (15-90 cm) tall and 6-48 inches (15-120 cm) wide depending on cultivar. Foliage in blue-green, green, gold, chartreuse, or variegated patterns — ovate to lance-shaped leaves 2-18 inches (5-45 cm) with smooth to heavily corrugated (seersucker) texture. Tubular to bell-shaped flowers in white, pale lavender, or purple on tall scapes above the foliage in summer (June-August). H. plantaginea and its hybrids produce fragrant white flowers. In the family Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae). The genus Hosta contains approximately 40 species, all from eastern Asia (Japan, China, Korea). Over 6,000 named cultivars — the most cultivar-rich perennial genus. Size ranges from miniatures under 6 inches (15 cm) to giants over 36 inches (90 cm) tall. Slug and snail damage is the primary pest concern — the soft foliage is readily consumed. Not deer-resistant: deer browse hostas to the ground. Hummingbird-visited (the tubular flowers). All Hosta species and cultivars are toxic to dogs and cats (saponins — GI irritant). Safe for humans. Consistent moisture in shade. Deciduous — dies to the ground after frost. Partial shade to full shade. Zones 3-9. This entry represents the hybrid group. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Hybrid of garden origin. The genus Hosta (approximately 40 species) is native to Japan, China, and Korea.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in shade borders, woodland gardens, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in zones 3-9. Over 6,000 cultivars in all sizes. Slug management required. Not deer-resistant. Toxic to dogs and cats. This entry represents the hybrid group.

How to Identify

Identified by mounding clumps of broad foliage in blue, green, gold, or variegated patterns with tubular flowers on tall scapes. Over 6,000 cultivars. Size varies from miniatures to giants. Not to be confused with Funkia (an old synonym). Slug damage and deer browsing are the primary limitations. In Asparagaceae. This entry represents the hybrid group.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 3'

Width/Spread6" - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Summer

Summer (June-August), lasting 2-3 weeks. Tubular to bell-shaped white, lavender, or purple flowers on tall scapes. H. plantaginea hybrids are fragrant. Hummingbird-visited. The foliage is the primary feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, pale lavender, or purple; tubular to bell-shaped, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), on tall scapes above the foliage

Foliage Description

Blue-green, green, gold, chartreuse, or variegated with white, cream, or yellow margins or centers; ovate to lance-shaped, 2-18 inches (5-45 cm) depending on cultivar; smooth to heavily corrugated (seersucker) texture

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade Full Shade

Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Partial shade to full shade. Consistent moisture. Slug and snail damage — the primary pest. Not deer-resistant (deer browse to the ground). All Hosta toxic to dogs and cats (saponins). Blue-leaved cultivars hold color in shade; gold cultivars brighten in morning sun. Deciduous. Zones 3-9. This entry represents the hybrid group.

Pruning

Remove spent flower scapes at ground level. Cut all foliage to the ground after frost collapses it (October) or in early spring (March) before new shoots emerge. Divide congested clumps in spring every 3-5 years.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets