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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.

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.

Buy Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

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

Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas. This hardy and adaptable plant adds lush texture and greenery to New Zealand gardens all year round with minimal care.

Buy Hedera canariensis

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 30.00 m

Spread: 30.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls

Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean

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

Soil: Hostas love moisture-retentive, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
Water: Water well during dry periods, especially during establishment.
Mulch: Add an annual mulch of compost to keep roots cool and suppress weeds.
Positioning: Though tolerant of deep shade, most hostas show their best colour in partial or dappled 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.

types of hostas for shade

Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Hedera canariensis

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Why Grow Hostas in Shade?