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hostas for shade

Hostas for shade are the perfect solution for New Zealand gardeners looking to add lush, vibrant foliage to those low-light corners of the garden. These hardy perennials thrive where other plants struggle, offering a diverse palette of leaf shapes, colours, and sizes. Whether you want to brighten up your shady beds, border a path, or create a tranquil retreat beneath trees, hostas are your go-to shade-loving plant. With their reliable performance and captivating foliage, hostas for shade are both practical and beautiful, delivering year-after-year with minimal effort.

An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

5 from 3 customers

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 ability to produce baby ferns (plantlets) along the leaf edges. Ideal for shaded gardens, underplanting, or pots, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from direct sun and wind. This fern adds a soft, tropical feel to any space and is low-maintenance, making it a favourite for both indoor and outdoor use.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Ferns
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
hosta-dew-drop-2

Hosta Dew Drop

5 from 1 customers

Hosta Dew Drop is a miniature variety that has dark green leaves with a white edge. The foliage is complemented with lilac-coloured flowers through summer which are held neatly above the leaves. This herbaceous perennial typically grows to 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide, and in cooler climates it may die back during winter but will regrow again when conditions warm in spring. The Dew Drop Hosta is commonly planted as a groundcover, included in borders, used in tropical and cottage gardens, or planted around outdoor living areas.

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, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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...

From$26.93
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is a miniature variety that features blue-green leaves with a powdery appearance. The foliage is complemented with...

From$24.23
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$360.00
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$720.00
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$420.00
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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 hostas for shade

Why Choose Hostas for Shade?

Hostas are renowned for their tolerance of shady conditions, making them ideal for under trees, beside buildings, or in sheltered woodland gardens. Their expansive leaves act as a living mulch, keeping weeds at bay and helping retain soil moisture. Many varieties produce elegant flower spikes in summer, attracting pollinators and adding extra seasonal interest. Hostas for shade are also low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering and protection from slugs and snails. With countless cultivars available, it’s easy to create a layered, textured look that suits any garden design.

Top Hostas for Shade in New Zealand

If you’re searching for striking hostas for shade, consider these popular options, all suitable for New Zealand conditions:

Planting and Care Tips

When planting hostas for shade, choose a spot with dappled light or morning sun. Prepare the soil by enriching it with well-rotted compost for moisture retention and good drainage. Space plants to allow airflow, and mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve water. Hostas grow best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Protect young foliage from slugs and snails with natural deterrents or barriers. In autumn, remove spent leaves to tidy the garden and reduce pest habitat.

Creating a Shady Oasis with Hostas

Combining different hostas for shade creates a layered, textured garden where foliage takes centre stage. Mix varieties for contrasting colours and shapes, or pair with ferns, astilbes, and heucheras for added diversity. Hostas are reliable performers, making them an excellent investment for shaded garden spaces across New Zealand.

Explore our full range to find the best hostas for shade and transform your garden’s cooler corners into lush, tranquil retreats.


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.

Our most famous blooms include Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile), but some of our best-kept secrets are Acorus gramineus variegatus, Protea Fiery Sunset, and Arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay' (Rengarenga Lily) — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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