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What are the Most Popular Hosta Varieties to Grow in the US?

Jane Margolis
2025-08-31 09:39:36

Greetings from the world of Hostas! We are a diverse genus of herbaceous perennials, prized for our magnificent foliage that brings texture and color to shaded gardens. Our popularity stems from our remarkable adaptability and the vast array of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors we offer. For gardeners in the United States, selecting the right variety from our extensive family is key to a thriving landscape.

1. The Staple: Hosta 'Francee'

I am a classic and beloved cultivar, representing the quintessential variegated Hosta. My foliage is characterized by deep green, heart-shaped leaves with crisp, pure white margins. This striking contrast remains vibrant throughout the growing season. I form a robust, mounded clump and am exceptionally vigorous and reliable. I am a top choice for providing bright contrast in dark corners and for use as a bold border plant. My toughness and timeless beauty make me a perennial favorite.

2. The Giant: Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

For those seeking a dramatic, architectural plant, I am the premier choice. I am renowned for my massive, heavily corrugated, heart-shaped leaves that can reach over 18 inches in length and 15 inches in width. My chartreuse-gold foliage brightens considerably in more sun, though I still require protection from the hottest afternoon rays. I am a truly imposing specimen, capable of growing over 30 inches tall and spreading more than 6 feet wide, making a powerful statement in any landscape.

3. The Blue Beauty: Hosta 'Halcyon'

I am one of the most popular and best blue-leaved Hostas. My pointed, heart-shaped leaves are covered in a thick, waxy coating (bloom) that gives me a distinctive seersucker texture and a stunning, steady blue-gray color that holds well throughout the summer. I form a neat, medium-sized, slug-resistant mound. My color is most intense in full shade, and I provide a cool, calming effect in the garden, beautifully complementing plants with gold or green foliage.

4. The Golden Standout: Hosta 'June'

I am a celebrated sport of Hosta 'Halcyon' and a gold-medal winner for my extraordinary coloration. My thick, rounded leaves display a captivating blend of colors: a blue-green margin surrounds an irregular, bright gold to chartreuse center. The exact coloration can shift depending on the amount of sunlight and the age of the plant. I grow into a medium-sized, dense mound and am highly sought after for my unique, painterly foliage that adds a splash of light to shaded beds.

5. The Variegated Showstopper: Hosta 'Patriot'

I am a vibrant, eye-catching sport of Hosta 'Francee'. My leaves feature the same deep green center, but my margins are dramatically wider, irregular, and brilliant white. This bold variegation creates an electrifying effect in the shade garden. I am a strong grower with a upright, mounding habit and produce lovely lavender flowers in mid-summer. My bright foliage is exceptional for lighting up dark areas and is a fantastic container plant.

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