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Hosta × 'Spartacus' (Spartacus Hosta)
© Salicyna, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Hosta 'Spartacus'

Spartacus Hosta

AsparagaceaeGarden hybrid

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-22 inches (45-55 cm)
Width36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts HummingbirdsContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Hosta × 'Spartacus' is a large variegated hosta with a three-colour display, growing 18–22 inches (45–55 cm) tall and 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) wide. Blue-green leaves with creamy-yellow margins are standard among variegated hostas — but 'Spartacus' adds a third colour: red petioles (leaf stalks) that extend the red colour partway into the leaf base. This three-colour combination (blue-green + cream + red) is rare among hostas and creates visual richness that two-colour variegation does not match. Named after the gladiator — the red-stained petioles evoke blood on a warrior's arms. The red petiole colour is most vivid in spring and intensifies with morning sun exposure. Pale lavender flowers in July and August. The thick, slightly corrugated leaves resist slug damage better than thinner-leaved hostas. Moist, humus-rich shade. Toxic to dogs and cats. Deer eat hostas.

Native Range

Hosta × 'Spartacus' is a garden hybrid.

Suggested Uses

Used as a shade specimen, in borders, and containers of 7 gallons (26 liters) or more. The three-colour display (foliage variegation plus red petioles) adds a dimension absent from most other hostas. Site at a position where the red petioles are visible at eye level for full effect.

How to Identify

Identified by blue-green leaves with creamy-yellow margins AND red petioles (leaf stalks). The red petioles are the diagnostic feature — check the leaf stalks for red-purple coloration. The three-colour effect (blue-green, cream, red) separates this from standard two-colour variegated hostas.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 1'10"
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

lavender

Foliage Colors

blue
green
cream
yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Summer
Flowering in July and August, approximately 3 weeks. Pale lavender. The three-colour foliage is the year-round display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale lavender, tubular

Foliage Description

Blue-green with creamy-yellow margins and red petioles (leaf stalks)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull 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
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade. Moist, humus-rich soil. Morning sun intensifies the red petiole colour. Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Deer browse hostas heavily — fencing, repellents, or hardware cloth cages may be needed where deer pressure is high.

Pruning

Remove spent flower scapes. Clean up foliage after hard frost.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans