Hosta

Hosta spp.
No โ€” Asia Phase 1 ยท Anchors & quick wins Perennials & Groundcover
โ˜€ Light
Shade to part shade
๐Ÿ’ง Water
Moist
๐Ÿ“ Mature size
6 in โ€“ 3 ft
๐ŸŒธ Bloom / interest
Lavender/white spikes, summer; foliage is the star
๐Ÿƒ Foliage
Deciduous
๐ŸŒŽ Native
No โ€” Asia
๐ŸฆŒ Deer
Loves it โ€” protect
๐Ÿ›’ How many
As needed โ€” you grow these well
๐ŸฆŒ Deer candy. Deer find this irresistible โ€” plan to spray, fence, or plant close to the house.

Why we want it

The bold foliage backbone of any shade garden, in blue, gold, and variegated. You already grow them beautifully (they're all over the back beds).

Where it goes in our yard

Throughout the beds, the pond edge, and massed for foliage contrast.

Planting & care

Easy in moist shade. The one catch: deer treat hostas as candy โ€” spray, fence, or site near the house.

What to buy

Big blues ('Halcyon', 'Sum and Substance'), variegated ('Frances Williams') for contrast.

Sourcing

Widely available; divide your own to expand for free.

Read more at NC State Extension โ†’