The Best Hostas for Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking for a versatile, low-maintenance plant that can add a pop of color and texture to your garden, look no further than hostas. These shade-loving perennials are beloved by gardeners around the world for their wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as their ease of care and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the best hostas available today, from classic favorites to new and unusual varieties that are sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, there's a hosta out there that's perfect for your needs.

The Top 15 Hostas to Consider

1. 'Sum and Substance'

One of the most popular hostas on the market today, 'Sum and Substance' is prized for its large, chartreuse leaves that can grow up to two feet long. This stunning specimen is perfect for adding a dramatic focal point to your garden, and its size makes it an excellent choice for planting in groups or as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in full to partial shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

2. 'Blue Angel'

Another classic hosta, 'Blue Angel' is known for its striking blue-green foliage and large size. This elegant plant is a great choice for adding texture and visual interest to your garden, and its hardiness makes it a reliable performer year after year.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

3. 'Empress Wu'

If you're looking for a truly show-stopping hosta, look no further than 'Empress Wu'. This giant variety can grow up to four feet tall and wide, with massive, dark green leaves that are sure to turn heads. While it may take a few years to reach its full potential, this stunning plant is well worth the wait.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Provide plenty of space for growth

4. 'Guacamole'

With its bright green leaves and fragrant flowers, 'Guacamole' is a favorite among gardeners who want to add a touch of whimsy to their landscape. This medium-sized hosta is easy to care for and has a unique coloration that sets it apart from other varieties.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

5. 'Patriot'

For a classic hosta with a modern twist, try 'Patriot'. This variety features deep green leaves with crisp white edges, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. It also has excellent resistance to pests and disease, making it a reliable choice for even the most novice gardeners.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

6. 'First Frost'

Named for its striking blue-green foliage that turns yellow in the fall, 'First Frost' is a popular choice for gardeners who want a hosta that can provide year-round interest. This medium-sized plant also features lavender flowers that bloom in early summer, adding even more color to your landscape.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

7. 'Stained Glass'

With its bright gold leaves and green margins, 'Stained Glass' is a unique and eye-catching hosta that's sure to impress. This medium-sized plant also features lavender flowers that bloom in midsummer, adding even more visual interest to your garden.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

8. 'Big Daddy'

If you're looking for a hosta with a masculine name and a bold appearance, 'Big Daddy' is the perfect choice. This large specimen features thick blue-green leaves that can grow up to two feet wide, making it an excellent choice for filling in empty spaces or creating a focal point in your garden.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Provide plenty of space for growth

9. 'June'

Named for its beautiful June blooms, 'June' is a medium-sized hosta that features blue-green leaves with gold margins. This elegant plant is perfect for adding texture and color to shady areas of your garden, and its hardiness makes it a reliable performer year after year.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

10. 'Krossa Regal'

For a hosta that's truly unique, try 'Krossa Regal'. This medium-sized plant features blue-green leaves that are twisted and curved, giving it an otherworldly appearance. It also has excellent resistance to pests and disease, making it a reliable choice for even the most novice gardeners.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

11. 'Golden Tiara'

With its bright gold leaves and lavender flowers, 'Golden Tiara' is a cheerful and easy-to-grow hosta that's perfect for filling in empty spaces or creating a border around your garden. This small to medium-sized plant is also resistant to pests and disease, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

12. 'Francee'

Named for its crisp white margins, 'Francee' is a classic hosta that's beloved by gardeners around the world. This medium-sized plant features dark green leaves and lavender flowers that bloom in midsummer, making it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to your garden.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

13. 'Halcyon'

If you're looking for a hosta with a cool, calming effect, try 'Halcyon'. This medium-sized plant features blue-green leaves that are perfect for creating a serene and tranquil garden atmosphere. It also has excellent resistance to pests and disease, making it a reliable choice for even the most novice gardeners.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

14. 'Great Expectations'

With its large, variegated leaves and striking appearance, 'Great Expectations' is a hosta that's sure to make a statement in your garden. This medium-sized plant features blue-green leaves with white margins and lavender flowers that bloom in midsummer.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil evenly moist
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

15. 'Rainforest Sunrise'

For a hosta that's truly one of a kind, try 'Rainforest Sunrise'. This small to medium-sized plant features bright yellow leaves with green margins, giving it a vibrant and cheerful appearance that's sure to brighten up any garden. It also has excellent resistance to pests and disease, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in partial to full shade
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the best way to care for hostas?

Hostas are generally easy to care for, but they do require some basic maintenance. Make sure to plant them in a shady area with moist, well-draining soil, and water them regularly to keep the soil from drying out. You should also fertilize your hostas once or twice per year to help them thrive.

2. How often should I divide my hostas?

Most hostas will benefit from being divided every three to five years, depending on how quickly they're growing and spreading. Dividing your hostas can help prevent overcrowding and ensure that they continue to thrive in your garden.

3. What are some common pests and diseases that affect hostas?

Hostas are relatively resistant to pests and disease, but there are a few things to watch out for. Slugs and snails can be a problem, as can foliar nematodes, which can cause brown or yellow spots on the leaves. If you notice any issues with your hostas, consult with a local gardening expert for advice on how to treat them.

4. Can hostas be grown in containers?

Yes, hostas can be grown in containers, but they do require some special care. Make sure to choose a container that's large enough to accommodate the plant's root system, and use a high-quality potting mix that's formulated for shade-loving plants. You should also water your hostas regularly and fertilize them once or twice per year to help them thrive.

5. What are some companion plants that go well with hostas?

There are many different plants that pair well with hostas, including ferns, astilbes, heucheras, and bleeding hearts. When choosing companion plants, make sure to consider factors like light requirements, soil type, and overall appearance to create a cohesive and visually appealing garden design.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, there's a hosta out there that's perfect for your needs. From classic varieties like 'Sum and Substance' and 'Blue Angel' to new and unusual cultivars like 'Rainforest Sunrise' and 'Stained Glass', there's no shortage of options for adding beauty and interest to your garden. With a little bit of care and attention, your hostas will thrive and provide years of enjoyment and delight.