Different Types of Hostas
Different varieties of hosta can be split into some basic categories. Some are bred not just for their foliage and shade tolerance, but also for their fragrance. Hostas produce stalks of delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white and purple, and certain varieties of hosta are known especially for their scent. Types of hosta noted for their excellent, fragrant blossoms include:
“Sugar and Spice” “Cathedral Windows” Hosta plantaginea
Hostas also vary greatly in size. If you’re planting hostas to fill out a large shady space, you may want the biggest hosta you can find.
“Empress Wu” is a variety that can grow to 4 feet (1 m.) in height. “Paradigm” is another one that can reach 4 feet ( 1m.) high and 4 feet (1 m.) wide.
Some varieties of hosta come in at the other end of the spectrum.
“Blue Mouse Ears” is only 5 inches (12 cm.) tall and 12 inches (30.5 cm.) wide. “Banana Puddin” is 4 inches (10 cm.) high.
Of course, there are innumerable varieties between the largest and the smallest, meaning you should be able to find just the right one for the spot you have picked out. Hosta colors are usually some shade of green, though there is a lot of variety here too. Some, like “Aztec Treasure,” are much more gold than green, making for a sunny splash in the shade. Others are green, like the “Humpback Whale,” and blue, like the “Silver Bay,” and many are variegated, like “Ivory Queen.” Options are nearly endless when choosing hosta plants for the garden.
