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types of hostas

If you’re looking to transform a shaded corner into a lush, leafy oasis, hostas are the perfect plants for the job. Known for their diverse foliage, easy care, and versatility in New Zealand gardens, hostas come in a stunning variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Understanding the different types of hostas helps you choose the best varieties for your garden, whether you’re after bold texture, elegant variegation, or petite groundcover.

Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and is recognised for its graceful, layered foliage and slender form. In the spring, it produces masses of small, fragrant, cream-coloured flowers that attract birds and insects.

Buy Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Ponds

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

Bahco Grafting Knife

The Bahco Grafting Knife is a professional horticultural tool designed for clean, precise grafting and budding work. Its sharp blade allows controlled cuts through stems and bark, helping achieve accurate joins while minimising plant damage.

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What Makes Hostas Unique?

Hostas are perennial favourites, prized for their excellent tolerance of shade and their wide-ranging appeal. They offer a huge spectrum of leaf textures—smooth, corrugated, or wavy—and colours, from deep greens to golden yellows, silvery blues, and striking variegated patterns. Some types of hostas produce fragrant flowers, adding even more charm to their leafy displays. Their adaptability makes them ideal for borders, mass planting, or accenting shade gardens.

Popular Types of Hostas for New Zealand Gardens

With hundreds of varieties available, choosing among types of hostas can feel overwhelming. To help narrow your search, here are some of the most popular and visually striking hostas you’ll find in New Zealand nurseries:

1. Variegated Hostas

Variegation is one of the most sought-after traits among hostas, bringing vibrant accent colours to the garden. For example, Hosta Patriot features bold green leaves with crisp white edges, creating dramatic contrast in shaded spaces. Another standout is Hosta First Frost, which displays blue-green leaves ringed with creamy yellow margins. Both varieties are excellent for brightening up darker corners with unique foliage.

2. Blue-Leaved Hostas

Blue hostas are admired for their cool-toned foliage and elegant appearance. Hosta Elegans is a classic, noted for its large, deeply textured blue-green leaves. This type is perfect for adding substance and soothing colour to woodland plantings or as a focal point in a hosta collection.

3. Fragrant Hostas

Some types of hostas delight the senses with sweet-smelling blooms. Hosta So Sweet is a superb example, producing glossy green foliage with white-margined leaves and wonderfully fragrant white flowers in summer. This variety is ideal for beds near pathways or seating areas where its scent can be enjoyed.

4. Large Hostas

Size matters when it comes to building dramatic foliage displays. Hosta Great Expectations brings lush, bold leaves with creamy yellow centres edged in deep blue-green. Its substantial size makes it a star in shady borders or as a specimen plant.

Choosing the Best Types of Hostas

When selecting types of hostas for your garden, consider your site conditions and style preferences. Most hostas thrive in moist, shaded locations and are very low-maintenance. Mix and match different leaf colours and sizes to create texture, visual interest, and year-round appeal. Whether you prefer vibrant variegation, soothing blues, or fragrant additions, the stunning variety available ensures you’ll find the perfect fit.

Ready to expand your shade-loving plant palette? Explore our full range—including favourites like Hosta Patriot, Hosta Elegans, Hosta So Sweet, Hosta First Frost, and Hosta Great Expectations—to discover exciting types of hostas for your New Zealand 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.

types of hostas

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Bahco Grafting Knife

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What Makes Hostas Unique?