If you look at the variety of types and varieties of hostas, it becomes obvious that this plant is a popular specimen. Today there are around 4,000 known varieties, of which you will find a selection below with their respective properties.
What types of hostas are there?
There are different hosta varieties such as green-leaved (e.g. 'Sun Power', 'Snowflake'), blue-leaved (e.g. B. 'Amplissima', 'Halcyon'), two-colored ones (e.g. 'Night before Christmas', 'Patriot') and those with convincing flowers (e.g. 'Lancifolia', 'Guacamole'). Each variety is characterized by individual characteristics.
Green Leaf Hostas
Beginners would do well to start with green-leaved hostas. These are considered to require the least amount of care and are undemanding. They even tolerate partially sunny locations. Two proven and not boring varieties are 'Sun Power' with emerald green foliage and 'Snowflake' with green foliage and snow-white flowers.
Blue Leaved Hostas
The blue leaves of these varieties are spectacular, no question. They grow to an average height of between 50 and 70 cm and belong to the species called Hosta sieboldiana. The foliage is usually blue-green and the flowers are light purple. These varieties are among the best:
- ‘Amplissima’
- ‘Blue Cadet’
- ‘Halcyon’
- ‘Elegans’
Hostas with two-tone foliage
A hosta with two-tone foliage often looks most original when grown alone. Many varieties with bicolor foliage can even tolerate some sunlight. But they should also be protected from the blazing midday sun. Otherwise the foliage will fade quickly and the risk of dryness in the soil increases.
Here is a selection of beautiful varieties:
- ‘Night before Christmas’: white and green
- ‘Wide Brim’: cream white and green
- ‘Zagers White’: narrow white edge, green center
- 'Mediovariegata': green edge and white center
- ‘Patriot’: green center and wide white edge
- ‘Golden Tiara’: yellow and green
- ‘Aureomarginata’: yellow at the edge, green in the middle
- ‘Gold Standard’: golden yellow with blue-green border
Varieties with convincing flowers
It's not just the leaves that are convincing. Some varieties also impress with their flowers at the location, such as the lance-leaf hosta 'Lancifolia', whose flowering period lasts a comparatively long time, or the strongly fragrant lily hosta 'Grandiflora' or Hosta 'Fragrant Bouquet' and Hosta 'Guacamole'.
Tip
Varieties with tricolor foliage are particularly suitable as solitaires. Hosta undulata 'Univittata' (light green/dark green/white) and Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' (yellow/green/white) should be mentioned here. The variety 'Honey Bell' is suitable for planting in a bucket, for example on the balcony.