Hosta | Some Great Varieties

When it comes to the Hosta, where do you start? There are so many varieties to pick from. I had a lot of fun putting this video and blog post together. I didn't realize how much I liked Hostas!

The Hosta genus has hundreds of different leaf sizes, shapes, colors, and flowers. Hostas are mostly found in shade gardens since they tolerate shade, but many varieties can also do quite well in the sun. Just make sure they have ample moisture, and it is best to avoid direct sun during the hottest part of the day.

This will be a good contrast to my recent post on the upright Sedum, a perennial that loves the sun.

The video here covers several varieties I have growing in my gardens. I also share some great varieties I discovered in the University of Minnesota Arboretum collection.

Sum And Substance Hosta

A large golden yellow variety and probably my favorite Hosta. Here's a progression of photos highlighting its emergence in the spring.

Even though this post on Hostas is focused mainly on the various leaf colors, sizes, and shapes, many varieties also have very showy flowers. They're usually pale lavender or bright white. They're also good at attracting pollinators, especially the Bumble Bees.

Blue Angel Hosta

Blue Angel has a smaller leaf than Sum and Substance but it's still considered a large leaf variety with a heart-shaped blue-green color.

Gold Standard Hosta

This is one of the classics, with large ovate leaves and dark green margins. They start out light green in the spring, which changes to more gold as we move into summer, and then almost white as we move into fall. I suspect the sun has bleached out the coloring this late in the season, so keep that in mind when your Hostas get more sun. It will likely change the coloring throughout the growing season.

Whirlwind Hosta

This shorter variety reaches around 18" tall but can get much wider than that. I like the twisted leaves and the irregular dark green margins. But it doesn't always turn out like we want. In the second photo, that could be slug damage, which can be a severe problem on many Hosta varieties.

Waterslide Hosta

This is a beautiful blue variety that becomes blue as the season progresses. I like the elongated, cupped, wavy, or ruffled leaves. This is a smaller variety reaching about 18" high by 30" wide. Very nice.

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta

Here’s a miniature variety. It's only a couple of inches tall right now, but it can reach 8" high by 12" wide. I'm looking forward to seeing this grow and fill in this area.

Patriot Hosta

Patriot has dark green centers with a bright white margin. The margins are creamy-yellow in the spring changing to the crisp white by mid summer.

My photo collection from the University of Minnesota Arboretum:

Gold Edger Hosta

This shorter golden yellow variety reaches 12 inches tall by 18" wide. The yellow provides a nice contrast.

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Northern Halo Hosta

At first glance, you might think this is the Gold Standard, but the variegation is reversed, with the light part of the leaf on the margins rather than in the center. Northern Halo can easily reach 3 feet.

Silver Lance Hosta

A narrow, pointed leaf variety with shiny dark green leaves and a white margin.

Silver Crown Hosta

Silver Crown Hosta can reach 24" high by 40" wide, making it a good choice for gardeners with space.

Frances Williams Hosta

I really like Frances Williams. It has giant blueish-green leaves with yellow margins that will become wider and more irregular as the plant matures.

August Lily Hosta

You can see where it gets its common name, those flowers look like the Easter Lily flowers that are sold during Easter each spring.

Sun Power Hosta

A large gold leaf variety that can reach 3 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Wow! This has to be the biggest that we've looked at so far. Judging by the name, this is a variety that can definitely be grown in the sun.

Midas Touch Hosta

I mentioned earlier that Sum And Substance was likely my favorite Hosta. But now I'm not so sure. This is a great looking Hosta! Look at that cool "puckering" on the leaf. You can see more of this Hosta in the video link shared above.

Guacamole Hosta

This is a perfect name for this one, and the color is spot on—just a really, really rich, well, Guacamole green. This is a big one, too, that can get 2 feet tall by 4 feet wide.

Tiny Tears Hosta

Tiny Tears is a smaller variety, staying around 6-12" in size. This could be considered a variety for the miniature Hosta category.

Praying Hands Hosta

Praying Hands has a unique, narrow, tightly folded leaf resembling hands folded in prayer. Great name.

I highly recommend visiting the U of M Arboretum. The Hosta collection is great but there is so much more to enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by Garden Hike!

Kevin

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