17+ Types of Hostas – Blue, Variegated, Miniature & More

Hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their impressive foliage.

With over 70 hosta species and countless hybrids and cultivars, there’s a hosta for every garden.

These plants are renowned for their diverse range of leaf colors, patterns, and sizes.

From striking blue hostas to stunning variegated varieties and petite miniature hostas, there are endless options to choose from.

Key Takeaways – Types of Hostas

• Hostas come in various types, including blue, variegated, and miniature.
• Blue hostas have a unique bluish hue due to a wax-like coating on their leaves.
• Variegated hostas add interest to a garden with their contrasting colors and unique patterns.
• Miniature hostas are perfect for small gardens or container gardening.
• Hostas thrive in shady areas and require minimal care once established.

Overview – Types of Hostas

Hostas are popular shade-loving perennials known for their beautiful foliage.

They come in a wide range of sizes, leaf shapes, and colors. Here’s a list of some popular types of hostas:

Types of Hostas:

• Hosta ‘Undulata Albomarginata’:
  • Wavy-edged leaves with white margins and green centers.
• Hosta ‘Halcyon’:
  • Blue-gray, heart-shaped leaves with a smooth texture.
• Hosta ‘August Moon’:
  • Heart-shaped, golden-yellow leaves.
• Hosta ‘Patriot’:
  • Dark green leaves with wide, white margins.
• Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’:
  • One of the largest hostas with chartreuse to golden leaves.
• Hosta ‘Francee’:
  • Dark green leaves with white margins.
• Hosta ‘Blue Angel’:
  • Giant, blue-gray, heart-shaped leaves.
• Hosta ‘Frances Williams’:
  • Blue-green leaves with irregular yellow margins.
• Hosta ‘Guacamole’:
  • Avocado green leaves with darker green margins.
• Hosta ‘Paul’s Glory’:
  • Heart-shaped leaves with yellow centers and blue-green margins.
• Hosta ‘Stained Glass’:
  • Bright gold leaves with a wide, dark green margin.
• Hosta ‘Empress Wu’:
  • One of the largest hosta varieties with dark green leaves.
• Hosta ‘Rainforest Sunrise’:
  • Small, dense leaves with gold centers and dark green margins.
• Hosta ‘Curly Fries’:
  • Narrow, ruffled leaves with a unique curly appearance.
• Hosta ‘Wolverine’:
  • Long, lance-shaped leaves with blue-green centers and wide, yellow margins.

Each type offers unique characteristics, making hostas a versatile choice for many garden settings.

Popular Blue Hosta Varieties

Blue hostas are a popular choice among gardeners for their unique and striking foliage.

These hostas have a distinct bluish hue that adds a cool and calming effect to any garden.

Here are some of the most popular blue hosta varieties:

1. Halcyon hosta: This medium-sized hosta has heart-shaped blue-green leaves with prominent veins. It forms a neat mound and produces pale lavender flowers in summer.
2. Blue Mouse Ears hosta: As the name suggests, this miniature hosta has small, round, and blue-green leaves that resemble little mouse ears. It is perfect for small gardens or container planting.
3. Abiqua Drinking Gourd hosta: This large hosta has thick, cup-shaped leaves with a unique corrugated texture. The blue-green foliage holds its color well and looks stunning in any shade garden.
4. Blue Angel hosta: This giant hosta features large, heart-shaped blue leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long. It has a strong and sturdy growth habit, making it an excellent focal point in the garden.
5. Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’: This classic blue hosta has large, heavily textured leaves with a powdery blue hue. It is a reliable performer and a favorite among hosta enthusiasts.

These popular blue hosta varieties offer a range of leaf shapes, sizes, and shades of blue.

Whether you prefer miniature hostas, giant specimens, or something in between, there is a blue hosta variety that will suit your garden needs.

Plant them in shady areas to enhance the cool and serene ambiance of your outdoor space.

As you can see from the table, each blue hosta variety has its unique characteristics, making them stand out in any garden. Incorporating these blue hostas into your landscape design will add a touch of elegance and tranquility to your outdoor space.

Stunning Variegated Hosta Varieties

Variegated hostas are a beautiful addition to any shade garden, with their unique foliage patterns and colors. These hostas have leaves that are adorned with contrasting colors, creating eye-catching displays. Whether you’re looking for bold and dramatic or delicate and subtle, there are stunning variegated hosta varieties to suit every taste. Here are a few varieties to consider:

Wide Brim Hosta

The Wide Brim hosta is a striking variety with large, heart-shaped leaves that have broad, creamy white margins. The dark green centers of the leaves provide a beautiful contrast, making this hosta a standout in the garden. It offers a bold and bright look that attracts attention and adds a touch of elegance to any shady spot.

Revolution Hosta

The Revolution hosta features unique foliage with a central green pattern and a creamy white margin that is irregularly splashed with green. This variegated pattern creates a mesmerizing effect, giving the hosta a sense of movement and energy. It is a truly stunning variety that will add intrigue and visual interest to your garden.

Rainbow’s End Hosta

Rainbow’s End hosta is a miniature hosta with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green with yellow margins. As the season progresses, the yellow margins turn creamy white, creating a beautiful gradient effect. This variety is perfect for small gardens or container plantings, and its compact size makes it easy to tuck into tight spots.

Magic Island Hosta

Magic Island hosta is a compact variety with heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with a creamy yellow margin. The foliage has a slightly quilted texture, adding to its visual appeal. This hosta is great for adding pops of color to shaded areas and works well in borders, edging, or mass plantings. Its smaller size also makes it suitable for container gardening.

A Complete Table of Stunning Variegated Hosta Varieties

These are just a few examples of the stunning variegated hostas available. Incorporating these varieties into your garden will add visual interest and create a vibrant and dynamic ambiance. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to find the perfect variegated hosta display that suits your personal style and preferences.

Miniature Hosta Varieties

If you have a small garden or want to add some greenery to your patio or balcony, miniature hostas are the perfect choice. These small hostas are not only adorable but also offer a range of beautiful foliage colors and patterns. Despite their size, they can make a big impact in your garden or container display.

Popular Miniature Hosta Varieties

Here are some popular miniature hosta varieties that are ideal for small spaces:

These miniature hostas are known for their compact growth habits and small leaves, making them suitable for containers and small garden beds. They thrive in shady to partially shady conditions and are relatively low-maintenance. With their charming appearance, miniature hostas can bring a touch of beauty to any space, no matter how limited.

Best Hostas for Shade

Hostas are renowned for their ability to thrive in shady areas, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add beauty to areas with limited sunlight. Whether you have dappled shade or partial shade, there are several hosta varieties that will flourish in these conditions, providing vibrant foliage and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden.

Here are some of the best hostas for shade:

• Halcyon hosta: This shade-tolerant hosta features attractive blue-green leaves and grows well in areas with dappled shade.
• Wide Brim hosta: With its variegated foliage and wide creamy-white margins, this hosta adds a touch of elegance to shady spots.
• Blue Angel hosta: Known for its large, heart-shaped blue-green leaves, this variety can brighten up any shady corner of your garden.
• Hosta sieboldiana ‘Elegans’: This shade-loving hosta has beautiful blue-green leaves with prominent veins, making it a standout choice for any shade garden.

These hostas not only tolerate shade but also thrive in these conditions, providing you with lush foliage and adding visual interest to your garden. When selecting hostas for shady areas, consider their specific requirements and choose varieties that will complement your garden’s overall design and color scheme.

Hosta Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your hostas healthy and thriving. By following these tips, you can ensure that your hostas continue to provide lush foliage and beauty in your garden.

Finding the Right Location

Hostas thrive in shady or partially shaded areas. When selecting a location for your hostas, choose spots that receive dappled sunlight or have filtered shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf scorch. Hostas also prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, so amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

Watering and Mulching

Hostas require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Water them deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, is ideal for hostas.

By following these care and maintenance tips, you can enjoy the beauty of hostas in your garden for years to come. With their stunning foliage and versatile nature, hostas are sure to enhance any garden space.

Hosta Landscaping Ideas

When it comes to landscaping with hostas, the possibilities are endless. These versatile plants can be used in various ways to create stunning garden designs. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point, add borders, or create a mass planting effect, hostas can be the perfect addition to your landscape.

Creating Borders

One popular way to incorporate hostas into your landscape is by creating borders along pathways or fences. Hostas with their lush foliage and vibrant colors can add a touch of elegance and create a defined edge to your garden. Combine different varieties with contrasting foliage colors and textures for a visually appealing border.

Grouping for Impact

Another landscaping idea is to group hostas together for a mass planting effect. Create clusters of hostas with varying heights, leaf shapes, and colors to add depth and visual interest to your garden beds. This grouping technique works especially well in shady areas, where hostas thrive.

Focal Points in Garden Beds

If you’re looking to create a focal point in your garden, hostas can be the perfect choice. Their bold foliage and unique textures can draw attention and serve as a centerpiece in your landscape. Pair them with other plants with complementary colors and textures to create a visually stunning garden design.

Hostas for Sun or Part Sun

While hostas are known for their shade tolerance, there are also hosta varieties that can tolerate sun or part sun conditions. These sun-tolerant hostas are a great option for gardeners who have areas with more sunlight and still want to enjoy the beauty of these versatile plants. It’s important to note that even sun-tolerant hostas will still benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in regions with intense sunlight.

Popular Sun-Tolerant Hosta Varieties

Here are some popular sun-tolerant hosta varieties that can handle more sunlight and still thrive:

• Francee Hosta: This classic hosta has green leaves with crisp white margins, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
• Rainbow’s End Hosta: With vibrant golden-yellow foliage that gradually transitions to green, this hosta creates a striking visual contrast.
• Liberty Hosta: Known for its large, dark green leaves with creamy yellow margins, this hosta is a standout in any sunny garden.

These sun-tolerant hostas can be planted in areas with more sunlight, such as along a sunny border or in a garden bed that receives morning or afternoon sun. However, it’s important to provide them with enough moisture to prevent leaf burn or scorch. Regular watering and the use of organic mulch will help maintain soil moisture and reduce the risk of stress from excessive sunlight.

“Sun-tolerant hostas can add beauty and interest to areas with more sunlight, allowing gardeners to enjoy their favorite plants in a wider range of garden conditions.” – Garden Enthusiast Magazine

With the right care and attention, sun-tolerant hostas can thrive and provide lush foliage even in sunnier areas of your garden. Pair them with other sun-loving plants like ornamental grasses or flowering perennials to create a vibrant and visually appealing landscape. Remember to monitor your hostas for any signs of stress and adjust watering and shade accordingly to ensure their health and longevity.

Protecting Hostas from Pests

Hostas are beautiful shade-loving plants, but they can be susceptible to pests that can damage their foliage and hinder their growth. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for keeping pests at bay and protecting your hostas.

Hosta Pest Control

One common pest that loves to feast on hostas is slugs. These slimy creatures can quickly devour your hosta leaves, leaving behind unsightly holes. To control slugs, you can handpick them off your plants in the early morning or evening when they are most active. You can also create physical barriers around your hostas, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, which slugs dislike crawling over. Additionally, you can use natural slug repellents like beer traps or a mixture of vinegar and water to deter them.

Hosta Slug Prevention

Prevention is key when it comes to slug infestations. To keep slugs away from your hostas, make sure to remove any garden debris, such as fallen leaves or woodpiles, which can provide them with hiding spots. You can also create a dry and inhospitable environment for slugs by watering your hostas early in the morning so that their leaves have time to dry during the day. This can make it less appealing for slugs to munch on your plants.

“Slugs can quickly devour your hosta leaves, leaving behind unsightly holes.”

Protecting Hostas from Other Pests

In addition to slugs, hostas can also attract other pests like groundhogs, rabbits, and deer. To protect your hostas from these animals, you can use physical barriers like fences or netting. Make sure the barriers are buried at least six inches below the ground to prevent animals from burrowing under them. You can also use natural repellents like garlic spray or human hair to deter these pests. Regularly inspect your hostas for any signs of pest damage and take appropriate measures to prevent further infestations.

By implementing these pest control and prevention strategies, you can ensure that your hostas remain healthy and free from pest damage. With proper care and protection, your hostas will thrive and continue to add beauty to your garden for years to come.

Combining Hostas with Other Plants

Hostas are a versatile plant that can be paired with other plants to create beautiful combinations in your garden. When selecting companion plants for hostas, it’s important to consider their growing requirements and foliage colors to create a harmonious and visually appealing planting scheme.

Pairing Hostas with Ferns

Ferns are a popular choice for pairing with hostas due to their similar shade-loving preferences. The lush fronds of ferns provide a contrasting texture to the broad leaves of hostas, creating an interesting visual impact. Consider pairing hostas with fern varieties such as Lady Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, or Ostrich Fern.

Combining Hostas with Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are another excellent companion plant for hostas. They come in a wide range of foliage colors, including burgundy, lime green, and silver, which can complement the various shades of hosta foliage. Try pairing hostas with heuchera varieties like ‘Palace Purple,’ ‘Lime Rickey,’ or ‘Silver Scroll’ for a vibrant and eye-catching combination.

Incorporating Astilbes with Hostas

Astilbes are a popular perennial that adds a splash of color to shady areas. Their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, or red create a beautiful contrast against the solid foliage of hostas. Consider planting hostas and astilbes together to create a lush and colorful display in your garden.

“Pairing hostas with other plants creates a dynamic and visually appealing garden. The combination of different textures, colors, and heights adds depth and interest to the landscape.” – Garden Design Magazine

When combining hostas with other plants, it’s essential to consider their growth habits and maintenance requirements. Ensure that the companion plants you choose have similar water and sunlight needs to thrive together. With careful planning and thoughtful pairing, you can create a stunning and harmonious garden design with your hostas and their companions.

Hostas in Containers

Container gardening is a great way to enjoy hostas if you have limited space or want to create a beautiful focal point on your patio or balcony.

Hostas can thrive in containers as long as you provide them with the right conditions and care.

Here are some tips for growing hostas in pots:

1. Choose the right container: Select a container that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system of your hosta. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
2. Use quality potting soil: Fill the container with well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. This will provide the hosta with the necessary nutrients and moisture retention.
3. Place in a shady spot: Hostas prefer shade or dappled sunlight. Find a location on your patio or balcony that receives indirect sunlight or is shaded for most of the day.
4. Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
5. Monitor for pests: Container-grown hostas are more susceptible to pests like slugs and snails. Inspect your plants regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent pest infestations.

Growing hostas in containers allows you to easily move them around to find the ideal growing conditions. They can be combined with other shade-loving plants or used as standalone specimens, creating a stunning display on your patio or balcony.

Container gardening is a versatile and convenient way to enjoy the beauty of hostas in small spaces. Their lush foliage and vibrant colors will add a touch of elegance to any outdoor area.

Benefits of Growing Hostas

There are numerous advantages to growing hostas in your garden.

These versatile plants offer more than just their beautiful foliage and vibrant flowers.

Let’s explore some of the key benefits of incorporating hostas into your outdoor space:

1. Low Maintenance:

Hostas are known for their low maintenance requirements, making them perfect for busy gardeners. Once established, these perennials require minimal care, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without constant attention. Regular watering, occasional dividing, and protection from pests are typically all that is needed to keep hostas thriving.

2. Natural Weed Suppression:

The dense foliage of hostas acts as a natural weed suppressant, reducing the need for frequent manual weeding. By planting hostas in your garden, you can minimize the growth of unwanted weeds, creating a cleaner and more attractive landscape.

3. Pollinator Attraction:

Hostas not only offer visual appeal but also attract pollinators to your garden. Their beautiful flowers, typically blooming in shades of lavender, white, or lilac, provide a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By including hostas in your garden, you can contribute to the biodiversity and health of your local ecosystem.

4. Versatile Landscaping Options:

With their wide range of sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, hostas offer versatile landscaping options. Whether you’re creating a formal garden, a cottage-style space, or a contemporary landscape, hostas can be easily incorporated to enhance the overall design. They can be used as focal points, grouped together for mass plantings, or combined with other shade-loving perennials for a layered look.

As you can see, the benefits of growing hostas are numerous. From their low-maintenance nature to their ability to attract pollinators, these plants offer both visual appeal and practical advantages. Consider adding hostas to your garden to enjoy their beauty and reap the rewards of their many benefits.

Hostas in Different Garden Styles

Hostas are incredibly versatile plants that can be incorporated into various garden styles, adding beauty and interest to any landscape. Whether you’re designing a formal garden, a cottage garden, or a contemporary garden, hostas can play a key role in enhancing the overall aesthetic. Here are some ideas for incorporating hostas in different garden styles:

Formal Gardens

In formal gardens, hostas can be used as architectural elements or focal points in symmetrical beds. Their large, textured leaves provide a bold and striking contrast to the clean lines and structured design of formal landscapes. Placing hostas strategically along pathways or in geometric patterns can create a sense of balance and elegance.

Cottage Gardens

In cottage gardens, hostas add a lush and romantic feel when mixed with other cottage-style flowers. Their foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for colorful blooms like roses, hydrangeas, and phlox. Planting hostas in drifts or clusters can create a natural and relaxed look, while their varied leaf shapes and shades of green contribute to the overall charm of a cottage garden.

Contemporary Gardens

In contemporary gardens, hostas can create a sense of tranquility and harmony with their clean lines and minimalistic beauty. Choose hosta varieties with solid-colored foliage or subtle variegation to complement the sleek and modern aesthetics of contemporary design. Plant them in raised beds or large planters for a striking visual impact.

By incorporating hostas into different garden styles, you can create a beautiful and cohesive outdoor space that reflects your personal taste and enhances the overall ambiance. Experiment with different combinations of hosta varieties, colors, and textures to achieve the desired effect in your garden.

Hostas for Seasonal Interest

Hostas are not only admired for their lush foliage, but they also provide seasonal interest throughout the year. With their vibrant colors and attractive flowers, hostas can add beauty and charm to any garden. Whether you’re looking for hostas with colorful foliage or varieties that display stunning blooms, there are options to suit every gardener’s taste and preference.

Hostas with Colorful Foliage

One of the standout features of hostas is their diverse range of foliage colors. From deep blues and vibrant greens to variegated patterns of yellow and white, hostas offer a kaleidoscope of hues. Some popular hosta varieties with colorful foliage include ‘Sum and Substance’ with its large golden leaves, ‘Patriot’ with its dark green foliage and crisp white edges, and ‘Fire and Ice’ with its striking white centers and dark green margins. These hostas can create eye-catching focal points in your garden and provide visual interest throughout the growing season.

Hostas with Attractive Flowers

Although hostas are primarily known for their foliage, many varieties also produce beautiful flowers. These delicate blooms can add an extra layer of charm to your garden. Some hostas, like ‘Royal Standard’ and ‘August Moon,’ produce fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators, while others, such as ‘Guacamole’ and ‘June,’ display lavender or purple blooms. By choosing hosta varieties with attractive flowers, you can enjoy both the beauty of their foliage and the allure of their blossoms.

With their stunning foliage colors and lovely flowers, hostas offer year-round interest in the garden. By selecting hosta varieties that provide seasonal highlights, you can create a vibrant and captivating landscape that changes with the passing seasons. Whether you prefer hostas with colorful foliage, attractive flowers, or a combination of both, these versatile plants are sure to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.

Conclusion – Types of Hostas

Hostas are incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of options for gardeners.

Whether you prefer the unique bluish hue of blue hostas, the eye-catching patterns of variegated hostas, or the compact beauty of miniature hostas, there is a variety that will suit your taste and style.

By following proper care and maintenance practices, hostas can thrive in shady areas and provide lush foliage throughout the growing season. With their ability to attract pollinators, act as natural weed suppressants, and add visual interest to different garden styles, hostas offer numerous benefits for any garden.

Experimenting with different hosta varieties and combining them with other shade-loving perennials can create a stunning landscape design. From formal gardens to cottage gardens, hostas can be seamlessly incorporated into various garden styles, adding beauty and charm.

In summary, hostas are versatile plants that can bring color, texture, and interest to any garden. With their wide range of varieties and their ability to thrive in shady conditions, they are an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. So why not give hostas a try and enjoy the beauty they bring to your garden?