Plant Library
Types of hostas: 15 shade-loving varieties
The 15 best types of hostas — miniature, medium, and giant — with foliage colour groups (blue, green, gold, variegated), slug resistance, and ASPCA pet-safety notes.
Types of hostas: 15 shade-loving varieties
Hostas are the workhorse of the shade garden — more than 7,500 named cultivars across roughly 70 species and hybrids, ranging from 2-inch miniatures in a teacup to 6-foot giants that fill an entire bed. Once you know how the categories work — size group and foliage colour — choosing the right hosta for a spot becomes simple. This guide covers 15 of the most-planted hostas in US and UK gardens, organised by size and colour with foliage descriptions, slug resistance, and the pet-safety warning every dog and cat owner needs. The headline: the ASPCA confirms hostas are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses due to saponins in leaves and roots, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
Match a hosta to your bed: Photograph your shady spot in Growli and we measure light hours and existing planting — then rank the hosta varieties most likely to thrive where you live.
How the 15 hostas are grouped
The American Hosta Society sorts hostas into five mature-size classes:
- Miniature (Mi) — under 6 inches tall, leaf surface under 6 square inches.
- Small (S) — 6 to 10 inches tall.
- Medium (M) — 10 to 18 inches tall.
- Large (L) — 18 to 28 inches tall.
- Giant (G) — over 28 inches tall.
Foliage colour groups are the second filter:
- Blue — leaves coated in a waxy bloom that reflects light. Includes Tardiana hybrids ('Halcyon', 'Blue Mouse Ears') and
H. sieboldianahybrids ('Big Daddy', 'Blue Angel'). - Green — solid-green leaves, often the most slug-attractive group.
- Gold/yellow — leaves emerge yellow or shift to chartreuse and gold in sun ('Sum and Substance', 'Stained Glass').
- Variegated — two- or three-colour leaves with white, cream, or yellow margins or centres ('Patriot', 'Frances Williams', 'Francee').
Slug resistance correlates strongly with leaf thickness — blue hostas with heavy waxy leaves resist slugs much better than thin-leaved green cultivars, but no hosta is fully slug-proof, so it is worth knowing how to control slugs and snails before they shred a prized clump.
15 types of hostas to know
Miniature hostas (under 6 inches)
1. Blue Mouse Ears — Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'
The classic miniature. Rounded thumb-sized leaves that look exactly like little mouse ears, with a blue-grey waxy bloom. Reaches just 6 inches tall and 11 inches wide at maturity. American Hosta Society 2008 Hosta of the Year. Slug-resistant thanks to the heavy substance of the leaves. Perfect for fairy gardens, troughs, and tucking into rock walls.
Size: 6 inches tall, 11 inches wide. Colour: Blue-grey. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part to full shade.
2. Mouse Trap — Hosta 'Mouse Trap'
A 'Blue Mouse Ears' sport with white-margined leaves. Same compact 4 to 6 inch habit but with a creamy variegation that lifts a shady corner. Slower-growing than its parent — give it three years to fill out.
Size: 6 inches tall, 10 inches wide. Colour: Blue centre, cream margin. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part to full shade.
Small hostas (6 to 10 inches)
3. Stiletto — Hosta 'Stiletto'
Narrow lance-shaped green leaves with white wavy margins on a small clump. Foliage looks ornamental even at the front of a border. Lavender flowers in mid-summer. Mature size 8 to 10 inches tall and about 18 inches wide.
Size: 10 inches tall, 18 inches wide. Colour: Green centre, white margin. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part shade.
4. Curly Fries — Hosta 'Curly Fries'
American Hosta Society 2016 Hosta of the Year. Long narrow rippled gold leaves that look like crinkle-cut fries. Tolerates more sun than most hostas — its gold colour deepens with bright light. Mature size 6 to 8 inches tall and 16 inches wide.
Size: 8 inches tall, 16 inches wide. Colour: Chartreuse to gold. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part shade to filtered sun.
Medium hostas (10 to 18 inches)
5. Halcyon — Hosta 'Halcyon'
The benchmark blue hosta. Heart-shaped powder-blue leaves on a clump 16 inches tall by 30 inches wide. Tardiana hybrid bred by Eric Smith in the UK. Slug-resistant thanks to thick waxy leaves — slugs prefer thinner, shinier green cultivars. One of the most-planted blue hostas in both the US and UK.
Size: 16 inches tall, 30 inches wide. Colour: Powder blue. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part to full shade — blue colour is best in shade.
6. June — Hosta 'June'
American Hosta Society 2001 Hosta of the Year. Blue-green margins around a brilliant gold centre that shifts to chartreuse as the season progresses. One of the most-planted hostas worldwide. Mature size 15 inches tall and 38 inches wide. Slug-resistant due to thick substance.
Size: 15 inches tall, 38 inches wide. Colour: Blue-green margin, gold centre. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part shade with morning sun for best colour.
7. Patriot — Hosta 'Patriot'
American Hosta Society 1997 Hosta of the Year. Dark green leaves with crisp white margins that brighten any shady corner. Vigorous — fills in 30 inches wide in three years. The most-planted variegated hosta in retail. Light lavender flowers in mid-summer.
Size: 18 inches tall, 30 inches wide. Colour: Green centre, white margin. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part to full shade.
8. Francee — Hosta 'Francee'
The classic white-margined green hosta. Slightly older cultivar than 'Patriot' but still widely planted. More heat-tolerant than many variegated hostas — performs well in zones 8 to 9. Mature size 18 inches tall by 36 inches wide.
Size: 18 inches tall, 36 inches wide. Colour: Green centre, white margin. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part to full shade.
Large hostas (18 to 28 inches)
9. Big Daddy — Hosta 'Big Daddy'
Massive blue-grey corrugated leaves up to 12 inches across. Strong slug resistance from the thick waxy leaves. A H. sieboldiana hybrid. Mature clump reaches 24 inches tall by 48 inches wide. White flowers in early summer.
Size: 24 inches tall, 48 inches wide. Colour: Powder blue. Slug resistance: Very high. Light: Part to full shade.
10. Frances Williams — Hosta 'Frances Williams'
The classic blue-and-gold giant. Huge blue-green leaves with wide chartreuse-gold margins. A H. sieboldiana 'Elegans' sport selected in the 1930s. Mature size 24 inches tall by 60 inches wide. White flowers in early summer.
Size: 24 inches tall, 60 inches wide. Colour: Blue-green centre, gold margin. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part to full shade.
11. Royal Standard — Hosta 'Royal Standard'
The classic green sun-tolerant hosta. Glossy mid-green leaves on a 24-inch clump up to 48 inches wide. Tolerates more sun than most hostas — even full sun in cool zones. Strongly fragrant white flowers in late summer, valued for cutting.
Size: 24 inches tall, 48 inches wide. Colour: Mid-green. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part shade to sun.
12. Stained Glass — Hosta 'Stained Glass'
American Hosta Society 2006 Hosta of the Year. Brilliant gold centres with dark green margins, intensely fragrant flowers. Sport of 'Guacamole'. The gold centre deepens with morning sun. Mature size 18 to 22 inches tall by 48 inches wide.
Size: 20 inches tall, 48 inches wide. Colour: Gold centre, green margin. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part shade with morning sun.
Giant hostas (28+ inches)
13. Sum and Substance — Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
The classic giant gold hosta. American Hosta Society 2004 Hosta of the Year. Huge chartreuse-to-gold leaves on a clump that reaches 36 inches tall by 60 inches wide. Tolerates more sun than most hostas — up to 4 to 6 hours of direct sun deepens the gold. Slug-resistant from leaf thickness.
Size: 36 inches tall, 60 inches wide. Colour: Chartreuse to gold. Slug resistance: High. Light: Part shade to filtered sun.
14. Blue Angel — Hosta 'Blue Angel'
A H. sieboldiana hybrid with massive deep-blue puckered leaves up to 16 inches long. Slow to mature — give it five years — but eventually reaches 36 inches tall by 60 inches wide. White flowers on tall stems in early summer. Strongly slug-resistant.
Size: 36 inches tall, 60 inches wide. Colour: Deep blue. Slug resistance: Very high. Light: Part to full shade.
15. Empress Wu — Hosta 'Empress Wu'
Likely the largest hosta variety in the world — routinely reaches 4 to 6 feet wide and about 4 feet tall in good conditions. Huge dark green deeply veined leaves measuring more than 18 inches wide and long. Slow to establish (three to five years to reach mature size) but eventually fills an entire bed. Strong substance gives moderate slug resistance.
Size: 48 inches tall, 60 to 72 inches wide. Colour: Dark green. Slug resistance: Moderate. Light: Part to full shade.
PET SAFETY — hostas are toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA)
The ASPCA toxic plants database lists Hosta plataginea and the genus generally as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is saponins, present in all parts of the plant — leaves, stems, and roots.
Clinical signs after ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The ASPCA explicitly debunks the popular internet myth that saponins cause "soap bubble bloat" in the stomach — that doesn't happen, but the saponins do irritate the gastrointestinal tract enough to cause real symptoms.
Dogs that chew hosta leaves are common emergency-vet calls in suburban gardens — the broad, accessible leaves are at chewing height for many dogs, and curious puppies may strip leaves while playing. Cats are at lower risk because they generally don't graze garden plants, but indoor-outdoor cats can be affected.
If a pet ingests any part of a hosta, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Most cases involve mild GI upset that resolves in 24 to 48 hours, but call for guidance — large ingestions may require fluid therapy.
If you have a dog that chews garden plants, plant hostas in raised beds or fenced areas, or substitute pet-safe shade perennials like ferns (most are non-toxic — see our types of ferns guide), heuchera (coral bells), or astilbe.
Slug damage — the UK's #1 hosta complaint
Slugs are the single biggest problem in UK hosta gardening and a major issue across the Pacific Northwest and US Northeast. Damage shows as ragged holes in leaves, usually expanding from the edges inward, with shiny slime trails visible in the morning.
Slug-resistant cultivars have thick waxy or heavily corrugated leaves. The blue Tardiana hybrids ('Halcyon', 'Blue Mouse Ears', 'June') and H. sieboldiana hybrids ('Big Daddy', 'Blue Angel', 'Frances Williams') resist slug damage far better than thin-leaved green cultivars like 'Royal Standard' or 'Francee'.
Control options in order of pet-friendliness:
- Hand-picking at dusk and dawn (most effective in small gardens).
- Beer traps sunk into the soil at leaf level.
- Iron phosphate slug pellets — approved for organic gardening and safer around pets than older metaldehyde products (which are now banned in the UK and most US states).
- Copper tape around pots and raised beds.
Avoid metaldehyde-based slug pellets if you have pets — they are highly toxic to dogs and cats. See our garden pest identification guide for more on slug control across the garden.
How to choose the right type of hosta
Match size to space. Plant miniatures in fairy gardens, alpine troughs, and at the front of borders. Mediums go in standard beds and around the base of shrubs. Giants fill an entire bed by themselves — give 'Empress Wu' or 'Sum and Substance' at least 5 feet of room.
Pick by light. All hostas tolerate part to full shade. Gold and chartreuse cultivars ('Sum and Substance', 'Stained Glass', 'Curly Fries') colour up better with morning sun. Blue cultivars ('Halcyon', 'Big Daddy', 'Blue Angel') keep their blue best in deeper shade — direct sun melts the waxy bloom and turns them green. Variegated cultivars sit between the two.
Pick by slug pressure. Heavy slug pressure (UK, Pacific Northwest, US Northeast) — choose blue and heavily corrugated cultivars. Light slug pressure (drier climates, US Mountain West) — any cultivar works.
Pick for pet households. If you have a dog that chews plants, plant hostas in raised beds or fenced areas, or substitute heuchera, ferns, or astilbe — most are non-toxic per ASPCA.
Planting timing by USDA zone
Zones 3 to 4: Plant in spring after the last frost. Hostas are fully cold-hardy here but emerging shoots are frost-sensitive.
Zones 5 to 7: Plant in early spring (March to April) or early autumn (September to early October). Both windows give the roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold.
Zones 8 to 9: Plant in autumn (October to November) so roots establish in cool weather. Provide afternoon shade — hostas struggle in zone 9 heat.
UK: Plant in early spring or early autumn. Hostas are fully hardy across the UK and the long mild growing season produces excellent specimens.
Plant at the same depth the hosta sat in its nursery pot — burying the crown causes rot. Space mature widths apart (consult the cultivar tag) and water deeply once a week through the first season.
Common care across the category
Plant in rich moist soil with plenty of organic matter — leaf mold, well-rotted compost, or aged manure mixed into the planting hole. Hostas are hungry feeders.
Water deeply once a week in dry spells. Wilted leaves recover overnight if you water promptly. Mulch 2 inches deep with compost or shredded leaves to conserve moisture.
Divide every five to seven years when clumps get crowded and bloom production drops. Lift in early spring as shoots emerge, slice the clump into sections with a sharp spade, and replant promptly.
Cut back foliage after first frost when leaves yellow and collapse. Composting the dead foliage helps reduce slug overwintering — slugs lay eggs in the leaf litter.
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost top-dressing. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which push soft growth that slugs love.
Try Growli: Snap a photo of any hosta with Growli — instant cultivar ID, slug resistance score, and care plan in 60 seconds.
Related articles
- Types of ferns — 15 shade-loving varieties — pet-safe shade-garden alternatives
- Types of flowers — 20+ annuals and perennials — the broader category
- Garden pest identification — for slug, snail, and deer control
- Types of soil — clay, sand, loam, silt — for picking hosta-friendly soil
- Pet-safe houseplants — 20 non-toxic plants — indoor alternatives for pet households
- Companion planting guide — what to plant with hostas
Reviewed and updated by the Growli editorial team. For questions about anything here, open Growli and ask — or email hello@getgrowli.app.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of hostas?
Hostas are grouped by mature size (miniature under 6 inches, small 6 to 10 inches, medium 10 to 18 inches, large 18 to 28 inches, giant over 28 inches) and by foliage colour (blue, green, gold/yellow, variegated). Popular cultivars include 'Blue Mouse Ears' (miniature blue), 'Halcyon' (medium blue), 'Patriot' (medium variegated), 'Sum and Substance' (giant gold), and 'Empress Wu' (the largest hosta in the world).
Are hostas toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes. The ASPCA confirms hostas are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic compound is saponins, present in all parts of the plant — leaves, stems, and roots. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The popular myth about saponins causing 'soap bubble bloat' is false, but real GI symptoms are common. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if a pet eats hosta leaves.
Which hostas are slug-resistant?
Blue hostas with thick waxy leaves resist slugs best — 'Halcyon', 'Blue Mouse Ears', 'June', 'Big Daddy', 'Blue Angel', and 'Frances Williams'. The waxy bloom and substance of the leaves are harder for slugs to chew. Gold cultivars like 'Sum and Substance' are moderately resistant due to leaf thickness. Thin-leaved green cultivars like 'Royal Standard' and 'Francee' attract the most slug damage.
What is the largest hosta variety?
'Empress Wu' is likely the largest hosta in the world — reaching 4 to 6 feet wide and about 4 feet tall in good conditions, with huge dark green deeply veined leaves measuring more than 18 inches across. Other giant hostas include 'Sum and Substance' (3 feet tall by 5 feet wide, gold), 'Blue Angel' (3 feet tall by 5 feet wide, deep blue), and 'Frances Williams' (2 feet tall by 5 feet wide, blue with gold margin).
Do hostas need full shade?
Most hostas prefer part to full shade, but they do not need deep shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade produces the best growth for most cultivars. Gold and chartreuse hostas ('Sum and Substance', 'Curly Fries', 'Stained Glass') tolerate more sun and even need it to deepen their colour. Blue hostas keep their blue best in shade — direct sun melts the waxy bloom and turns them green. Variegated cultivars sit between the two.
When should I plant hostas?
Plant hostas in early spring (March to April in most zones) or early autumn (September to early October). Both windows give roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold. In zones 8 to 9, autumn is the better window to avoid heat stress. Plant at the same depth the hosta sat in its nursery pot — burying the crown causes rot.
How often should I divide hostas?
Every 5 to 7 years, when the clump gets crowded, bloom production drops, or the centre dies out. Lift the entire clump in early spring as shoots emerge (when you can see the new buds but before leaves expand), slice into sections with a sharp spade or knife, and replant promptly. Each division should have at least three growing points (eyes) for vigorous regrowth.
Why are my hosta leaves full of holes?
Slugs and snails are the most common cause — look for shiny slime trails in the morning. Slug damage shows as ragged holes expanding from leaf edges. Other causes: deer browsing (clean cuts on leaves and stems), earwigs (smaller round holes), or fungal disease (brown spotting around the holes). For slugs, use iron phosphate pellets (pet-safe) or beer traps. Avoid metaldehyde pellets — they are highly toxic to dogs and cats.