Hosta plants are the favorite plants for shade gardens. Hostas are, in fact, one of the most popular garden plant variety, period.
The hosta varieties come in an amazing array of leaf shapes, sizes and colors.
Some hostas even have showy white, blue or lavender flowers.
The popularity of the hosta plant isn’t just because of the huge variety, they are also popular because they are easy to grow.
Although they tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay, you will have bigger and healthier hosta plants if you grow them in nutrient rich, well-drained soil.
Most hostas varieties grow best in part shade, or full shade, and are happy with morning sun and afternoon shade.
The hostas with gold leaves, or those with white or yellow variegation tolerate more sun without being scorched, as long as the soil stays moist.
Their biggest enemies are slugs and snails, so be sure to apply slug bait regularly. I use the baits that are safe for wildlife and pets.
Eliminating slugs and snails is very important, because these slimy pests can make a mess of a hosta planting in just a few days.
The following list of hosta hybrids, represents the most popular varieties, but there are hundreds of possibilities. The cold zones are 1-10, and heat zones 14-21.
Performances in zones 22-24 will wary, but all are worth a try in these regions.
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BLUE ANGEL HOSTA: This one grows to 2.5 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Blue leaves and almost white flowers on 4 feet stalks.A very popular hosta.
BLUE CADET HOSTA: A smaller type hosta plant about 15 inches high and wide.A dense, neat clump of blue-green leaves that’s good for edging.Lavender blooms.
FRANCEE HOSTA: Grows to 15 inches tall and 3 feet wide. Dark green leaves with defined white borders.
Light lavender flowers on 2.5 feet stems.
FRANCES WILLIAMS: About 20 inches tall. It has currugated leaves with yellow borders.
White flowers on 2 feet tall stems.
GOLD STANDARD HOSTA: Bright golden leaves with blue-green edges and lavender flowers.
Grows ro 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Leaves are creamy yellow in the center with wide blue-green edges.
White flowers on 3 feet stems.
HONYBELLS HOSTA: The leaves edges are wavy and yellow green.
Pale, slighly fragrant lilac flowers on 3 feet stems.
JUNE HOSTA: Heart-shaped variegated leaves with blue-gray edges.
Lavender blooms on 1.5 feet stems. To 14-16 inches high and 2.5 feet wide.
KROSSA REGAL: Big, leathery, frosty blue leaves with a vase like shape upward.
Lavender blooms on 5 feet tall flower stalks.
PATRIOT HOSTA: Wide dark green leaves with wide white borders.
Lavender blooms on 2.5 feet flower stems.
ROAL STANDARDS: Grows to 2 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. Glossy leaves, light green are oval shaped and ribbed.
Fragrant white flowers on 3.5 feet stems.
SAGAE HOSTA: The blue-gray leaves have wide creamy white borders.
Lavender blooms on 4.5 feet tall stems. To 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
SUN AND SUBSTANCE: Textured chartreuse leaves that turn golden with age.
Pale lavender blooms. Grows 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Hosta Growing Tips
Hostas are generally shade loving plants, though some varieties will tolerate sun.
But most will take a lot more sun in cool summer zones.
Plants that are growing in the sun will be more compact and will have more flowers.