Genus guide
Hosta — 77 species
Part of the Dracaenas, snake plants & spider plants family (Asparagaceae)
Hosta is a genus of robust, clump-forming shade perennials grown primarily for their bold, sculptural foliage, ranging from the compact 'Blue Mouse Ears' to the vast 'Empress Wu'. They thrive in dappled to deep shade — morning sun suits most cultivars, but prolonged afternoon sun scorches leaves. Water needs are moderate to regular: aim for about one inch per week in well-drained, organically rich soil and mulch to retain moisture. All Hosta species are toxic to cats and dogs; saponins in all plant parts cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
All Hosta species we cover
- Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta
- Blue Hosta 'Halcyon'
- Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
- Empress Wu Hosta
- Fire and Ice Hosta
- Fragrant Bouquet Hosta
- Fragrant Hosta 'Guacamole'
- Francee Hosta
- Great Expectations Hosta
- Hosta
- Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'
- Hosta 'August Moon'
- Hosta 'Big Daddy'
- Hosta 'Blue Angel'
- Hosta 'Blue Mammoth'
- Hosta 'Bressingham Blue'
- Hosta 'Color Festival'
- Hosta 'Curly Fries'
- Hosta 'Diamond Tiara'
- Hosta 'El Nino'
- Hosta 'Elegans'
- Hosta 'Empress Wu'
- Hosta 'Fire Island'
- Hosta 'First Frost'
- Hosta 'Fortunei Aureomarginata'
- Hosta 'Fragrant Bouquet'
- Hosta 'Frances Williams'
- Hosta 'Fun and Games'
- Hosta 'Golden Tiara'
- Hosta 'Grand Tiara'
- Hosta 'Great Expectations'
- Hosta 'Guacamole'
- Hosta 'Halcyon Blue'
- Hosta 'Halcyon'
- Hosta 'Invincible'
- Hosta 'Island Charm'
- Hosta 'June'
- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'
- Hosta 'Lancifolia'
- Hosta 'Love Pat'
- Hosta 'Midnight Rider'
- Hosta 'Night Before Christmas'
- Hosta 'On Stage'
- Hosta 'Patriot'
- Hosta 'Patriot'
- Hosta 'Paul Revere'
- Hosta 'Pineapple Upside Down Cake'
- Hosta 'Praying Hands'
- Hosta 'Regal Splendor'
- Hosta 'Remember Me'
- Hosta 'Revolution'
- Hosta 'Royal Standard'
- Hosta 'Sagae'
- Hosta 'Shade Fanfare'
- Hosta 'Something Different'
- Hosta 'Stained Glass'
- Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
- Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
- Hosta 'Touch of Class'
- Hosta 'Twilight'
- Hosta 'Undulata Albomarginata'
- Hosta 'Ventricosa'
- Hosta 'Wheel of Fortune'
- Hosta 'Wide Brim'
- Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'
- Krossa Regal Hosta
- Lakeside Black Satin Hosta
- Lonesome Dove Hosta
- Minuteman Hosta
- Paul's Glory Hosta
- Pineapple Upsidedown Cake Hosta
- Revolution Hosta
- Sagae Hosta
- Striptease Hosta
- Tattoo Hosta
- Tokudama Flavocircinalis Hosta
- Wide Brim Hosta
Hosta — frequently asked questions
Are Hosta plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Hosta are not pet-safe. Of the 77 Hosta species in the Growli library, 77 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Hosta plants need?
Most Hosta do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Hosta easy to care for?
Some Hosta suit more experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime.
How many Hosta varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 77 Hosta species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Hosta, the rest follow closely.
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