Hostas are one of the most popular plants for shady backyard gardens. Known for their lush foliage and wide range of leaf colors, hostas add texture and fullness to areas where many other plants struggle to grow.
They are low-maintenance, long-lived perennials that return year after year with minimal care. From compact varieties for borders to massive statement plants, these are the best hosta varieties to grow in your backyard.
1. Hosta ‘Francee’
‘Francee’ is a classic and very popular hosta known for its deep green leaves edged with clean white margins. It forms a medium-sized mound and looks great in shaded borders and foundation plantings. This variety is reliable, easy to grow, and holds its color well throughout the season.
2. Hosta ‘Patriot’
‘Patriot’ hostas feature bold white edges surrounding rich green leaves, giving them strong contrast in shady gardens. They are similar to ‘Francee’ but with wider white margins. This variety grows well in partial to full shade and works beautifully as a focal plant or border accent.
3. Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’
‘Sum and Substance’ is famous for its massive size and bright chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves. It can grow several feet wide and tall, making it a standout statement plant. This variety tolerates more sun than many hostas and is perfect for filling large shady areas.
4. Hosta ‘Blue Angel’
‘Blue Angel’ hostas are large plants with thick, blue-green leaves that resist slug damage better than thinner-leaved types. They form a wide, arching mound and produce pale lavender flowers in summer. This variety thrives in full to partial shade and adds a calm, cool tone to the garden.
5. Hosta ‘Halcyon’
‘Halcyon’ is a compact to medium-sized blue hosta with thick, heart-shaped leaves. It holds its blue color well and is very durable. This variety is excellent for borders, edging, and smaller shaded garden spaces.
6. Hosta ‘June’
‘June’ hostas are prized for their beautiful variegated leaves, which feature blue-green edges with a creamy yellow center. The colors shift subtly throughout the season, adding interest over time. This variety stays medium-sized and works well as a focal plant in shaded beds.
7. Hosta ‘Guacamole’
‘Guacamole’ hostas have bright chartreuse centers surrounded by darker green margins. They are vigorous growers and produce fragrant, pale lavender flowers in late summer. This variety tolerates more sun than most hostas and brightens up shady areas.
8. Hosta ‘Empress Wu’
‘Empress Wu’ is one of the largest hostas available, producing huge, deeply veined green leaves. It can reach several feet in height and width, making it a dramatic landscape plant. This variety is best suited for large, shaded spaces where it can truly stand out.
9. Hosta ‘Golden Tiara’
‘Golden Tiara’ hostas are compact plants with green leaves edged in gold. They spread nicely and are great for borders and ground cover in shaded gardens. This variety is fast-growing and adds brightness to darker areas.
10. Hosta ‘Liberty’
‘Liberty’ hostas feature large, blue-green leaves with wide, creamy yellow margins. They have a strong, upright form and make an excellent focal point in garden beds. This variety is hardy, reliable, and visually striking.
11. Hosta ‘August Moon’
‘August Moon’ hostas are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that turn a rich golden-yellow as the season progresses. They tolerate more sun than many hostas, which helps intensify their color. This variety is a great choice for brightening up partially shaded areas.
12. Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’
‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a small, compact hosta with thick, blue-green leaves. It stays neat and tidy, making it perfect for containers, edging, and small garden spaces. This variety is also more resistant to slug damage due to its thick foliage.
13. Hosta ‘Stained Glass’
‘Stained Glass’ hostas feature bright golden centers with dark green edges, creating a glowing effect in the shade. They are a sport of ‘Guacamole’ and also produce fragrant flowers. This variety works well as a focal point in shaded beds.
14. Hosta ‘Elegans’
‘Elegans’ is a large blue hosta with deeply textured leaves that give it a bold, sculptural look. The thick foliage helps deter pests and holds its color well throughout the season. This variety thrives in full shade and adds strong structure to garden designs.
15. Hosta ‘Fire and Ice’
‘Fire and Ice’ hostas have striking white centers with dark green margins, offering high contrast in shady gardens. They grow to a medium size and keep their color well into the season. This variety is excellent for adding brightness and visual interest to shaded areas.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.