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large hostas for shade

Transform your shaded garden areas into stunning foliage displays with large hostas for shade. Renowned for their lush, dramatic leaves and impressive sizes, these shade-loving perennials bring texture and colour to parts of your garden where other plants may struggle. Large hostas thrive in dappled or full shade, making them ideal for the woodland garden, beneath established trees, or along the shaded side of your house. Not only are they easy-care and drought-tolerant once established, but their impact grows year after year, with some varieties forming grand clumps that command attention.

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.

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'

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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.

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
Orange flowers on a lush Clivia miniata grandiflora plant.
Clivia miniata grandiflora (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata grandiflora is a bold evergreen perennial admired for its large clusters of brilliant orange trumpet shaped flowers that rise above...

From$30.29
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
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
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
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

Tilia platyphyllos, commonly known as Large-Leaved Linden, is a stately deciduous tree admired for its broad, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer...

From$515.35
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
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...

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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...

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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...

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Hosta 'Aphrodite' plant with lush, green foliage.
Hosta 'Aphrodite'

Hosta 'Aphrodite' is a beautiful perennial known for its lush green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom in late summer. It adds elegance...

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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...

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hosta-elegans-5
Hosta Elegans'

Hosta 'Elegans', commonly known as Plantain Lily, is a classic shade perennial prized for its large blue green leaves and bold, textured form. It...

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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...

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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...

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Hosta 'Fire Island' plant.
Hosta 'Fire Island'

Hosta 'Fire Island' is a striking perennial known for its bright yellow leaves contrasted by red stems. It brings vibrant colour to shaded areas in...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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-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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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A blue Hosta 'Halcyon' plant.
Hosta 'Halcyon'

Hosta 'Halcyon' features nicely textured, blue-grey leaves which retain their colouring year-round. In summer, bell-shaped, lilac flowers appear and...

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...

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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
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 '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
Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search large hostas for shade

Why Choose Large Hostas for Shady Gardens?

Large hostas for shade are prized for their architectural beauty and versatility. Their bold foliage, ranging from deep greens to silver blues and vibrant yellows, introduces dynamic shapes and contrasting tones under large trees or beside buildings. Larger hostas can serve as specimen plants, provide groundcover, or create lush borders that suppress weeds and help retain soil moisture. Plus, their thick leaves are less appealing to slugs and snails than smaller varieties, making maintenance a breeze.

Top Varieties of Large Hostas for Shade

Finding the perfect hosta depends on both aesthetics and the specifics of your garden. Explore some of our recommended hostas well-suited to create a striking statement in shady areas:

Planting and Caring for Large Hostas

Large hostas for shade flourish in well-drained, humus-rich soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. When planting, provide plenty of space between each hosta to allow them to expand gracefully over time. Mulch with organic matter in spring to maintain soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. While large hostas require minimal maintenance, occasional watering during drought, a spring feed, and removal of spent foliage in autumn will keep them performing their best for years to come.

Bring your Shaded Spaces to Life

Whether you crave a serene blue-green oasis or a lively, variegated display, large hostas are a top choice for New Zealand gardeners with shaded sites. Discover exceptional varieties like Hosta 'Halcyon' (Hosta halcyon), Hosta Great Expectations, Hosta Hadspen Blue, Hosta Patriot, and Hosta First Frost to unlock the full potential of your shade garden.


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.

Gardeners love Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Alchemilla mollis, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Michelia figo, Cotinus 'Golden Spirit', and Rose Diamonds Forever.
–The Plant Company

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