The most beautiful variegated Hostas
A selection of bright and colourful varieties
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Many Hostas feature variegated foliage, edged with fine or very wide borders of white, cream, yellow, and sometimes even blue hues. These mixes and splashes of colour at the heart of the leaf give these variegated Hosta varieties their charm, providing an irresistible luminous effect. With a light centre and dark margin or a deep green heart lightened by cream edges, these variegations not only catch the eye but also add uniqueness and extra appeal to these shade perennials. It is particularly interesting to insert a few in the darkest areas of the garden. Be aware that the colours may take on more or less intense shades depending on the shade and sunlight received by your Hostas. The flowering of the varieties presented ranges from light lavender to a slightly deeper hue in summer. Here are some particularly ornamental variegated Hosta varieties that I recommend; they will undoubtedly enhance your collection in the most beautiful way.
Hosta fortunei 'Patriot': classic
Here is a classic among variegated Hostas, a cultivar from the 1990s that remains highly effective: Hosta ‘Patriot’ features large leaves measuring around 18 cm, in an olive green widely marginate with bright white. Its leaves are heart-shaped, slightly incurved, strongly veined, and have a very decorative wrinkled appearance. ‘Patriot’ tolerates some sun and will be enhanced when paired with other variegated Hostas, whether in grouped pots or in borders, given its modest size (45 cm tall with a wider spread of about 50 to 60 cm). It is definitely a standard among the range of variegated Hostas.
Hosta ‘Patriot’ (©Lindy)
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Hosta: planting, growing and careHosta ‘June’: refined
Although it remains rather modest in size (about 40 cm in height), Hosta ‘June’ is truly a must-have for the magic of its vibrant colours: a festival of blues and greens with a heart that is almost yellow under the filtered rays of the sun. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful variegated effect in this selection, with these sublime shades reminiscent of a painter’s palette. Its rather simple leaf (with few veins and no crinkled texture) still reveals a Hosta of great elegance and finesse. It takes time to establish, but after 2 or 3 years, it becomes truly ornamental.
Hosta ‘June’ (© Leonora Enking)
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Hosta 'Wide Brim': textured
Not yet widely known, Hosta ‘Wide Brim’ truly deserves to be, as it is remarkably ornamental with its broad cream-yellow border around the entire edge of the leaf and its particularly crinkled texture. The heart of the leaf is a beautiful slightly greyed green, quite irregular, almost scratched. The lamina measures about 20 cm long, and it stands approximately 50 cm tall, making it a lovely Hosta that can be placed almost anywhere, from pots to large borders.
Hosta ‘Wide Brim’ (© FD Richards)
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Choosing HostasHosta fortunei 'Gold Standard': golden
This one is somewhat the opposite: ‘Gold Standard’ impresses with its large heart-shaped leaves that are almost entirely golden, with a very prominent yellow-green, finely edged with a beautiful emerald green. It is perfect if you love zesty chartreuse tones that add a little pop to your borders. The golden centre of the lamina turns golden with 2 to 3 hours of sunlight (either morning or evening) per day. It is an old cultivar, but it does not disappoint with its ultra-bright colour, and it has another advantage: its spreading habit—about 90 cm to 1 m—places it firmly in the category of large Hostas, although its height remains average at between 50 and 70 cm at ripeness.
Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams': essential
This is another great classic that cannot be overlooked: its large, heavily veined and incredibly crinkled leaves measure nearly 30 cm long, and they feature a beautiful variegated colour with a glaucous green centre and a chartreuse green margin. This blend of two strong colours is pure joy within borders, which it also enhances with its impressive size. Reaching a height of 60 cm with a wider spread at ripeness (it takes a little time to settle in), the Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ thrives in a well-shaded position. Unlike the other Hostas in this selection, the flowering of ‘Frances Williams’ is much less colourful, almost white. This is certainly the variegated Hosta to acquire as a priority!
Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ (© Bernard Blanc), close-up of the leaf (© Susan Tryforos)
Hosta 'Saint-Paul': blue-tinged
Still relatively unknown to the general public, it won’t be long before it becomes essential! The Hosta ‘Saint-Paul’ indeed boasts wonderful qualities: it features original variegated foliage, showcasing a sumptuous wide blue-green margin and a very bright golden-yellow centre. It is actually a mutation of the famous ‘Paul’s Glory’. Its leaves are generous, oblong, veined, and delightfully textured, becoming strongly crinkled over time. With a beautiful spread, reaching 60 cm in height and up to 1 m in width, it allows for the creation of stunning clumps in large borders. With its thick leaves, it is less susceptible to attacks from gastropods, the bane of Hostas. Finally, it tolerates sunlight quite well, although partial shade will always be beneficial. Adopt it to create a lush scene with truly surprising hues!
Hosta 'Sagae': undulate
Also known as Hosta fluctuans ‘Variegated’, this beautiful Hosta features a remarkably undulating leaf that adds to its charm, along with its variegated shades of grey-green to blue-green and yellow turning to cream at the edges. The Hosta ‘Sagae’ is also characterised by its thick, highly veined, large leaves (approximately 30 cm), and it rises on tall stems, offering a rather unique upright habit among Hostas, reaching an average height of 60 to 70 cm.
Hosta ‘Sagae’ (© Dornenwolf)
Hosta 'Orange Marmalade': vibrant
Among the ultra-bright, Hosta ‘Orange Marmelade’ takes the lead! Its ovate yellow-orange leaves are unique, as they actually change colour several times during its development: starting green, they quickly turn a tangy yellow at the centre, with orange tips, then become cream before finishing with greener notes. The well-defined margin of a beautiful glaucous green irregularly spills over into the heart. Spreading reasonably to about fifty centimetres, with a height of 40 cm, plant it alongside darker foliage to enhance its vibrant character.
Hosta ‘Orange Marmelade’
Hosta 'Stiletto': acute heel
Let’s not forget the little Hostas! These dwarf Hostas work wonderfully in pots or shady rockeries. Among them, the Hosta ‘Stiletto’ is one of my favourites, which combines both beautiful variegation and a unique leaf shape. It features a bicolour green with white to cream edges on ultra-fine leaves, sometimes leading to confusion with another perennial, as its leaves bear no resemblance to the round shapes typically associated with Hostas. Reaching 15 cm in height and 30 cm in spread, you can easily find a small spot for it in the garden or on the terrace, adding a distinctly exotic touch.
Hosta ‘Stiletto’ (© Dornenwolf)
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