Everything You Need to Know About Planting Variegated Hostas in Your Yard

If you’re looking to add some color and interest to the shady spots in your yard, variegated hostas might just be the perfect addition. These shade-loving perennials are known for their stunning foliage and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. With over 70 different hosta species and hundreds of hybrids and cultivars to choose from, there is a hosta out there for every gardener.

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What Are Variegated Hostas?

Variegated hostas are a type of hosta plant that features two-toned foliage with patterns, streaks, or borders of a lighter or darker color. These plants are prized for their striking appearance and can add a pop of color to any shady garden. In addition to their beautiful foliage, hostas also produce lily-like flowers in shades of purple, lavender, or white, adding even more visual interest to your garden.

With so many different varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which variegated hostas to plant in your yard. To help you narrow down your options, here are 12 popular variegated hostas that are sure to add beauty to your outdoor space:

1. Frozen Margarita Hosta

Name: Frozen Margarita
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color: White
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

This fast-growing hosta features shiny green leaves with a thin creamy white margin. Fragrant, almost white flowers bloom in early summer, adding a delicate touch to this vibrant plant.

2. Wide Brim Hosta

Name: Wide Brim
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color: Lavender
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

A perennial favorite, the Wide Brim hosta boasts large, puckered dark green leaves with wide yellow irregular margins. Lavender flowers add a splash of color in the summer months.

3. Hosta ‘Remember Me’

Name: Remember Me
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

This medium-sized hosta features bright yellow leaves with irregular green margins tinged with blue in the spring. As the season progresses, the leaves transition to a lighter yellow or creamy white, creating a stunning contrast.

4. Revolution Hosta

Name: Revolution
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color: Lavender
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

An attractive medium-sized hosta, Revolution features a creamy-white center with dark green speckles and dark green margins. Lavender flowers bloom in July, adding a touch of elegance to this variegated plant.

5. Captain’s Adventure Hosta

Name: Captain’s Adventure
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color: Lavender
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

This unique hosta boasts foliage that changes color dramatically throughout the seasons. From chartreuse to creamy white with dark green streaks, Captain’s Adventure is a showstopper in any garden.

6. Patriot Hosta

Name: Patriot
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

A compact hosta with glossy dark green foliage and a painted white irregular margin, Patriot is a versatile plant that can tolerate some sun. Ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option.

7. Rainbow’s End Hosta

Name: Rainbow’s End
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

This compact variegated hosta features dark green edges and bright yellow and green streaks in the inner leaves. A perfect choice for gardens prone to slug damage, Rainbow’s End is both beautiful and resilient.

8. Magic Island Hosta

Name: Magic Island
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

With a vibrant yellow center and an irregular blue-green margin, Magic Island hosta is a stunning addition to any garden. Its slug-resistant foliage makes it a practical choice for busy gardeners.

9. June Hosta

Name: June
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

An award-winning hosta, June features thick foliage with dark green margins and a hint of blue. The amount of sunlight it receives determines the color of the leaf centers, making it a versatile and visually appealing plant.

10. Frances Williams Hosta

Name: Frances Williams
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

One of the all-time favorite variegated hostas, Frances Williams has large heart-shaped leaves with greenish-yellow margins that turn creamy white as the plant matures. A prolific spreader, this hosta can grow to an impressive 5 feet wide.

11. Francee Hosta

Name: Francee
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

Dark green foliage with white margins and a dense, mounding growth habit make Francee hosta a popular choice for gardeners. With a fairly quick growth rate, this hosta is a reliable and low-maintenance option for any garden.

12. Liberty Hosta

Name: Liberty
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Flower Color:
Light: Partial Shade
Mature Size:

For those looking for a large hosta with an upright growth habit, Liberty is the perfect choice. Blue-green leaves with a wide, irregular yellow margin make this variegated cultivar a standout in any garden.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Variegated Hostas

Variegated hostas are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when planting and caring for them in your yard:

Light Requirements: Hostas thrive in partial shade with some sun, but they should be protected from hot, direct sunlight.
Soil Type: Hostas can tolerate almost any type of soil, except for clay. They prefer more acidic soil and benefit from deep, infrequent watering.
Pest Control: While hostas are generally resistant to pests, they are susceptible to snails and slugs. To protect your plants, consider using slug repellents or barriers.

By following these tips and selecting the right variegated hostas for your yard, you can create a beautiful and vibrant garden that will be the envy of your neighbors. So go ahead and plant some hostas in your yard today and enjoy the beauty they bring to your outdoor space!

Sources:

ASPCA

So there you have it: everything you need to know about planting variegated hostas in your yard. With so many beautiful varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect hosta to add color and interest to your garden. Happy planting!