Hostas can be excellent ground-cover plants for large expanses of shady garden territory, blanketing the earth with soft color while blocking out weeds. Few plants are easier to care for, though they can be susceptible to leaf damage from snails and slugs. Once established, hostas are incredibly easy to propagate by dividing the root clumps in the spring or fall. Here are 12 excellent hosta types that run the gamut of foliage color.
Native Area: ChinaUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–9aHeight: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates more sun than most hostas
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 6–9 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 2b–8aHeight: 10–15 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade; prefers some direct morning sun
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 6–9 inchesSun Exposure: Full shade; tolerates partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 18–24 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
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Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–9aHeight: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–8aHeight: 12–20 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
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Native Area: JapanUSDA Growing Zones: 3a–9aHeight: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
