Types of Hostas: A guide to Perennials

Hostas, which are commonly called plantain lilies, are occasionally known as well through the Japanese name gibōshi. These perennials are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The genus belongs to the family Asparagaceae, and is said to be native to northeast Asia.

In the US, these plants can persist in zones 3 through 9. From variegated to waxy giant deep blue leaves, they certainly bring in that delightfully fresh vibe!

20 Best Hostas Varieties

While several cultivars are extensively grown for their foliage, Hostas are more than just ornamental plants. They are also edible and are usually grown as a food source in several countries in Asia.

With more than a thousand varieties of over 50 species, their elaborate green leaves may have a different shade and the clustering of foliage may also vary.

So let Plantly walk you through the unique characteristics of the best hosta varieties we’ve curated just for you!

Hosta gracillima

Also known as “Small rock hosta”, this variety is recognizable for its clump-forming, lance-shaped leaves paired with funnel-shaped lavender flowers with purple stripes. They grow up to 5 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

This dwarf Hosta will greatly thrive under partial shade to full. Perfect for troughs, rock gardens, or as a border plant. To encourage plant growth, they will need some trimming here and there. Also, watch out for chewing insects as they are easily invited by their luscious foliage.

Hosta ‘Halcyon’

Being one of the most popular variants, this perennial is known for its medium-sized, blue-green foliage. In the blooming season, you’ll find this adorable Hosta filled with greyish-lavender-colored flowers. They grow optimally from full shade to partial shade when established on rich and well-draining soil.

Hosta Whirlwind

Hosta whirlwind is certainly a show-stopping variant, as it is known to change its leaf color throughout the season. Forming a dense mound of heart-shaped leaves ranging from creamy white to light green. Growing up to 20 inches tall and spreading at about 40 inches, they thrive under full or partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun.

Provide this outdoor plant with adequate moisture, especially during late summer. It will surely thank you with its funnel-shaped lavender blooms!

Hosta Guacamole

Hosta guacamole features wide and slightly oval leaves with irregular dark green margins and gold tinges. They grow at a medium height of about 18 inches tall. A quite hardy perennial, they thrive at zones 3 to 9.

In late summer, the mounding leaves will eventually support big fragrant white flowers with opening stalks that stand on 3-foot stems. A clay loam soil with a neutral pH favors its growth.

Hosta August Moon

A sun-tolerant variety, Hosta August Moon forms an asymmetrical mound of widely ovate, thick, heart-shaped deeply veined leaves that turns from soft yellow to bright golden yellow upon exposure to sufficient sunlight.

In summer the foliage gives rise to white or pale lavender flowers. They grow best under partial shade and prefer rich moist and well-draining soil. They must be watered at least twice a week.

Hosta Komodo Dragon

This hosta selection forms a large mound that can grow up to 3 ft tall and spread up to 7 ft. The leaves flaunt a blue-green hue with wavy margins. The flowering stalks bear light lavender to purple flowers.

Their subtle colors and large size can fill a niche in any garden structure. Grows relatively well from partial shade to full shade, at hardiness zones 3 to 9. Have them established in fertile soil and be sure to replenish them through consistent watering.

Hosta Blue Angel

Hosta Blue Angel is known for its gigantic blue-green, wedge-shaped oval leaves. The heavily textured foliage forms a mound held together by leaf petioles that stand upright. This later gives rise from light purple flowers to pale lavender flowers.

This indoor plant grows at about 36 inches tall and spreads at 71 inches. Typically grown for a shady garden or as a ground cover, this hosta is best regarded to thrive in warmer climates in clayey loam soil. Just be sure to water the plant at least twice a week.

Hosta Hyacinthine

This stunning Hosta variant features ribbed, blue-green leaves that turn grey-green upon maturing. Bearing lavender flowers, this medium-sized hosta can tolerate dense shade to partial shade. Although mainly grown as a foliage plant, one cannot resist the presence of fragrant bell-shaped flowers that comes with it!

The blooming time is around July to August and they can thrive well from zones 3 – 8. They all prefer moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter. The American hosta society suggests the use of NPK fertilizer once or twice a year for optimum growth.

Hosta Crispula

Host Crispula is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that possesses wavy, narrowly ovate dark green leaves with distinct creamy-white margins.

The erect leafy stems later hold the funnel-shaped, pale lavender blooms in the early summer. Growth is optimum when established under partial shade and on moist but well-draining soil. Pruning is encouraged to remove dead foliage, especially at the end of the growing season.

Hosta Alligator Alley

Leathery, heart-shaped green leaves with dark blue-green margins and a yellow-green center are what sets the Hosta Alligator Alley apart from other different types of hostas.

Perfect for niche garden designs as the foliage becomes accented by near-white flowers. They also grow well under partial shade, spanning up to 36 inches wide.

Hosta American Halo

Hosta American Halo is known for its dense mound with vast foliage. The distinct blue-green leaves with rippled, creamy white margins are what make this hosta a flattering addition to your plant collection

Being another hardy perennial, they can thrive at zones 3 – 8, making them ideal for a shade garden. They also prefer moist and well-draining soil. Chewing insects must also be monitored to prevent infestation.

Hosta Autumn Frost

Autumn Frost is awarded Hosta of the Year in 2010 perhaps due to its prominent blue-green leaves edged with bright to golden yellow margins. This eye-catching mound is greatly accented by bell-shaped lavender flowers and can readily thrive at hardiness zones 3 to 9 under partial or full shade.

Although a quite sun-tolerant variety, the plant grows favorably in the afternoon shade.

Hosta June

The attractive and densely variegated foliage is the most notable characteristic of Hosta June. During the late summer, the blue-green, heart-shaped leaves, with irregular bright yellow patterns in the center would soon give rise to another series of bell-shaped lavender blooms.

The clump-forming perennial is easy to tend to and is known to be a part-shade to full-shade lover. Perfect as a groundcover or for a shady garden, the Hosta June surely won’t disappoint!

Hosta Royal Standard

Known for their heart-shaped glossy green leaves and white fragrant flowers that usually bloom in late summer. Hosta Royal Standard is easily grown in moist and organically rich soil, spreading inches wide.

The delicate white flowers make this variant a good source of cut flowers. While established plants had some degree of tolerance in dry shades, the soil should always be kept moist. They also thrive from hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Hosta Frances Williams

Considered one of the best-known cultivars of hosta, Frances Williams sports large blue-green leaves with golden yellow margins, paired with lilac-blue flowers. They undeniably stand out in shady gardens and can also thrive well in zones 3 -9.

As long as they’re provided with adequate moisture, this hosta variant can tolerate some degree of sun exposure.

Blue Mouse Ears

The Blue Mouse Ears is known for its round blue-green to dark green leaves capable of forming a perfectly symmetrical mound. In the mid-summer, this adorable small clump-forming hosta would later welcome clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are produced on proportionally short 12″ scapes.

Perfect for patio containers or a simple border plant, they prefer part shade to full shade and can readily thrive at zones 3 – 9. They are quite hardy but should be watered consistently.

Empress Wu

One of the largest Hosta known, Empress Wu forms a massive upright mound with thick dark green foliage and reddish lavender flowers, especially during early summer. They thrive at hardiness zones 3 to 9 and only require an average level of watering.

As most Hosta, they grow best in moist, well-drained, and organically enriched soil from part shade to full shade conditions.

Hosta Geisha

Hosta Geisha are distinctively known for their elongated, glossy, arching leaves that form an upright mound. The foliage has notable yellow-green to olive-green margins and is slightly rippled, gracefully twisted towards the tip. The star-shaped flowers appear in late summer.

Perfect for containers, patios, and shady gardens, this hosta is quite low maintenance and quite a forgiving perennial. Although a sun-tolerant variant, it thrives well under full to part shade and prefers rich but well-draining soil.

Francee

Among the different types of hostas, Francee is distinguished for its white margins in its heart-shaped dark green leaves that later form into an arching mound, reaching up to 21 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Easily grown in evenly moist, organically rich, and well-draining soil.

A full shade to part shade favors optimum growth.

Gold Standard

The gold standard is an award-winning hosta that vigorously forms overlapping widely oval yellow-green leaves. They grow up to 22 inches tall and span at about 41 inches. May be grown as a ground cover and can be mixed with other perennials, they also grow well on moist, fertile soil in partial to fully shaded conditions.

Final Thought

Hostas are an incredible perennial that can adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions. From heart-shaped, round blue-green to golden yellow leaves – and their varying types of flowers, this plant genus is certainly a feast to the senses and can bring up a nice touch to just about any garden.