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hosta varieties for shade

Hostas are beloved among New Zealand gardeners for their beauty, versatility, and remarkable ability to thrive in shady gardens. When you’re searching for the best hosta varieties for shade, you’ll discover a diverse selection offering lush foliage in an array of greens, blues, and variegated patterns—all perfect for brightening up those cooler, dimmer spots in your landscape. With hardy performance and minimal fuss, hostas provide sculptural interest that persists through the growing season, making them a favourite choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners.

Acanthus mollis perennial with purple-white flowers above lush, green foliage.

Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Acanthus mollis, known as Bears Breeches or Oyster Plant, is a bold and striking perennial that adds a touch of elegance to NZ gardens. It features large, glossy, lobed leaves and tall flower spikes adorned with white and purple blooms in summer. This easy-care plant thrives in a variety of conditions and makes a stunning statement in shaded or partially sunny garden areas.

From $24.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
hosta-dew-drop-2

Hosta 'Dew Drop'

5 from 1 customers

Hosta 'Dew Drop' is a charming perennial known for its soft green foliage edged with creamy white. It brings a fresh, bright look to shaded areas in New Zealand gardens and is well suited to smaller spaces. This attractive hosta is ideal for borders, containers, or underplanting. Its compact habit and clean variegation make it a popular choice for adding texture and contrast in low light areas.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$26.15
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
Hosta 'Little Sunspot' plant with green and yellow variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Little Sunspot'

Hosta 'Little Sunspot' is a compact and eye catching variety with bright golden foliage that lights up shaded NZ gardens. Its smaller size makes it...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Sagae' plant with green and cream variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Sagae'

Hosta 'Sagae' is a large and impressive hosta with striking blue green leaves edged with golden margins, making it a standout in shaded NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Patriot' plant with variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Patriot'

Hosta 'Patriot' is a standout variegated hosta featuring rich green leaves edged with bold white margins that instantly brighten shaded NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Twilight' plant with lush foliage.
Hosta 'Twilight'

Hosta 'Twilight' is a striking variegated hosta with blue green leaves edged in creamy yellow that bring contrast and brightness to shaded NZ...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Francee' plants with lush green foliage edged with white.
Hosta 'Francee'

Hosta 'Francee' is a classic shade loving perennial valued for its deep green leaves edged with crisp white margins. Well suited to New Zealand...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Loyalist' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Loyalist'

Hosta 'Loyalist' is a striking variegated hosta with bold green margins and a crisp white centre that brings brightness to shaded NZ gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
hosta-minuteman-1
Hosta 'Minuteman'

Hosta 'Minuteman' is a bold and elegant hosta featuring deep green leaves edged with crisp white margins that bring strong contrast to shaded NZ...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' plant with yellow foliage.
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a bold and dramatic hosta prized for its large chartreuse to golden leaves that bring vibrant colour and scale to shaded...

OUT OF STOCK
hosta-so-sweet-1
Hosta 'So Sweet'

Hosta 'So Sweet' is a charming variegated hosta with glossy green leaves edged in creamy white and fragrant summer flowers that add extra appeal...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Krossa Regal' plants with lush, blue leaves.
Hosta 'Krossa Regal'

Hosta 'Krossa Regal' is a striking upright hosta known for its large blue green leaves and elegant vase shaped form. This variety brings height and...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper' plant with blue foliage.
Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper'

Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper' is a bold upright variety that stands out with its tall habit and lush green foliage, adding height and structure to shaded...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta univittata plants with lush green leaves, striped with white.
Hosta undulata univittata

Hosta undulata univittata is a classic shade loving perennial valued for its wavy green leaves marked with a creamy white central stripe. Well suited...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'First Frost' plant with blue and yellow variegated leaves.
Hosta First Frost

Hosta First Frost is a stunning variety with amazing, lush foliage. The foliage comprises blue-green leaves with a wide, yellow margin. White...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Jade Cascade' plant with lush, green foliage.
Hosta 'Jade Cascade'

Hosta 'Jade Cascade' is a graceful foliage plant prized for its cascading habit and lush green leaves that bring elegance to shaded NZ gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Queen Josephine' plant with variegated leaves.
Hosta Queen Josephine

Hosta Queen Josephine is a stunning variety due to its lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises large and glossy, dark green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Pizzazz' plant with blue and white variegated leaves.
Hosta Pizzazz

Hosta Pizzazz features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises large, dark green leaves with a wide, cream margin. White, bell-like...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'June' plant with variegated foliage.
Hosta 'June'

Hosta 'June' is a standout shade loving plant known for its striking variegated foliage with blue green margins and golden centres. This award...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Pandoras Box' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Pandoras Box'

Hosta 'Pandoras Box' is a charming miniature hosta with striking variegated foliage featuring creamy white centres edged with deep green margins...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Great Expectations' plant with green and yellow variegated leaves.
Hosta Great Expectations

Hosta Great Expectations features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises light yellow leaves with a wide, dark green margin. In...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Brim Cup' plant with variegated foliage.
Hosta 'Brim Cup'

Hosta 'Brim Cup' is a compact perennial known for its blue green leaves edged with creamy yellow that mature to soft cream. It brings gentle contrast...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Fire And Ice' plant.
Hosta 'Fire and Ice'

Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a striking perennial known for its bold white leaves edged with deep green. It brings strong contrast and brightness to...

OUT OF STOCK
Colourful foliage on a Hosta 'Lemon and Lime' plant.
Hosta ''Lemon and Lime'

Hosta 'Lemon and Lime' is grown for its yellow and lime coloured foliage. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a somewhat wavy appearance. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hosta Wide Brim

Hosta Wide Brim is grown for its lush and variegated foliage. The bold and glossy leaves are dark green-blue with a large cream-yellow margin...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Colour Glory' plant.
Hosta 'Colour Glory'

Hosta 'Colour Glory' is a stunning perennial known for its bold blue green leaves edged with creamy yellow. It adds vibrant contrast and texture to...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Hadspen Blue' plant with blue foliage.
Hosta Hadspen Blue

Hosta Hadspen Blue features leaves that are broad, blue-grey, and have a powdered finish. In summer, bell shaped, lilac flowers are borne atop short...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Praying Hands' with dark green foliage.
Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Praying Hands' is a unique and highly sought after variety with narrow upright leaves that fold together, creating a distinctive architectural...

OUT OF STOCK
Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acanthus, Asplenium, and Hosta, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Ground Fern, and Perennials.

Search hosta varieties for shade

Why Choose Hostas for Shady Areas?

If you have a garden space with limited sunlight, hostas are a go-to solution for reliable, colourful foliage. Most hosta varieties are specifically adapted for low-light conditions, flourishing where other perennials struggle. These plants form dense clumps, suppressing weeds and adding layered interest beneath trees, alongside pathways, or in shaded courtyards. With their impressive range of leaf shapes and stunning summer blooms, hostas deliver year-round appeal.

Top Hosta Varieties for Shade

Selecting the right hosta varieties for shade means considering foliage colour, texture, and size to complement your garden design. Here are some standout favourites:

All of these hostas are robust, adaptable, and well-suited to New Zealand’s climate, making them excellent choices for gardeners looking to make the most of shady spots.

Planting and Caring for Hostas in Shade

Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained soils replenished with rich organic matter. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Because most hosta varieties prefer light to deep shade with some protection from intense afternoon sun, they are ideal under deciduous trees or on the shaded side of buildings. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, keeps foliage lush and vibrant. While hostas are generally low maintenance, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which may be attracted to their soft leaves.

Bring Your Shady Garden to Life

Embracing a variety of hosta varieties for shade can transform dim, underused corners of your garden into lush, vibrant retreats. Whether you favour the elegant simplicity of Hosta 'Francee', the drama of Hosta First Frost, or the lively shape of Hosta Pizzazz, these shade-loving perennials will reward you with an easy-care display year after year. Explore our selection to find the perfect hostas for your unique garden style.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Rhododendron 'Scented Sun' and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma), but you might just fall in love with Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry), Euphorbia glauca (Shore Spurge), and Iris 'Snow Queen' (Siberian Iris).
–The Plant Company

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