Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

types of hostas for shade

If you’re searching for elegant, low-maintenance foliage plants to brighten up your shaded borders, there are many outstanding types of hostas for shade to choose from. Hostas have become a classic favourite for New Zealand gardeners thanks to their lush leaves, shade tolerance, and wide variety of forms and colours. Whether you’re looking to create a textured ground cover, edge your garden paths, or add interest in containers, hostas are a versatile solution for tackling shady sites where other perennials falter.

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
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears

5 from 1 customers

Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is a miniature variety that features blue-green leaves with a powdery appearance. The foliage is complemented with lavender-coloured flowers through summer which are held neatly above the leaves. This herbaceous perennial typically grows to 20 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is commonly planted as a groundcover, included in borders, used in tropical and cottage gardens, or planted around outdoor living areas. A mass planting affords an impressive display.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
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
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...

From$24.23
bahco-grafting-knife-1

Bahco Grafting Knife

This grafting knife from Bacho is the industry standard for all types of grafting including cleft, side approach, and air layering. The design...

From$89.98
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.

Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$148.75
prunus-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant...

From$24.23
enhanced-compost-

Enhanced Compost

The Plant Company Enhanced Compost has been supplemented with the right balance of both quick release and controlled release fertilisers. It can be...

From$46.91
Hosta Dew Drop

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hosta Plagianthus and Prunus, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Compost, Grafting and Budding, Rooting Hormone, Perennials Deciduous Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search types of hostas for shade

Why Grow Hostas in Shade?

Hostas thrive where many flowering plants won’t: deep, dappled, or partial shade. Their foliage adds structure and a cooling effect, while some types also produce spikes of delicate summer flowers. With their reliable growth habit and resilience, hostas are ideal companions for ferns, hellebores, and other woodland plants in New Zealand gardens.

Popular Types of Hostas for Shade

Choosing the right type of hosta can transform your shaded spaces with a tapestry of colour and texture. Here are some standout types of hostas for shade suitable for New Zealand conditions:

Hosta First Frost

Hosta First Frost is treasured for its neat mound of blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow, turning bright white as the season progresses. This variety is perfect for bringing light to darker corners and is exceptionally slug-resistant, making it one of the top picks for shade gardens.

Hosta 'Halcyon' (Hosta halcyon)

Known for its striking, frosty blue leaves, Hosta 'Halcyon' (Hosta halcyon) adds a cool tone to shaded beds. Its thick foliage holds colour well through summer, and the plant’s upright shape offers a unique contrast to hostas with rounder leaves.

Hosta ''Lemon and Lime'

If you prefer vibrant colour, Hosta ''Lemon and Lime' is a standout. This compact hosta features lime-green leaves with yellow margins, making it an excellent choice for edging pathways or growing in containers where space is limited.

Hosta 'Golden Tiara' (Hosta Golden Tiara)

Hosta 'Golden Tiara' (Hosta Golden Tiara) is renowned for its heart-shaped leaves with bright gold margins and glossy green centres. It forms low clumps and produces lovely purple flowers—ideal for softening edges or mass planting beneath trees and shrubs.

Hosta Hadspen Blue

With intense blue foliage that holds its colour well, Hosta Hadspen Blue is the perfect solution for gardeners wanting a cool-toned, low-maintenance plant for deep shade. It forms tidy mounds and pairs beautifully with hostas of contrasting variegation.

Tips for Growing Hostas in Shade

With so many types of hostas for shade on offer, you can develop a dynamic, year-round display that thrives even in the most challenging corners of your garden. Browse our collection to find the perfect hostas to enhance your shady retreat.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

433 Google reviews