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variegated hostas for shade

Transform your shady garden spaces with stunning variegated hostas for shade. These hardy perennials are a favourite in New Zealand gardens, loved for their striking foliage, easy-care nature, and ability to brighten up even the darkest corners. With distinctive leaves splashed or edged with creamy whites, golds, or lime greens, variegated hostas create long-lasting interest from spring through to autumn. Whether you’re designing a lush woodland border, filling out a shaded courtyard, or searching for elegant ground cover beneath trees, variegated hostas deliver reliable beauty and a touch of sophistication.

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Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

5 from 1 customers

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding texture and colour to shaded gardens throughout New Zealand.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 35 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' plant in a garden with variegated leaves and blue flowers.

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell shaped flowers that appear during spring and early summer. The attractive cream and green foliage often develops pink tinges, creating year round interest in New Zealand gardens.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Pittosporum eugenioides variegatum lush foliage.
Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum', commonly known as Variegated Tarata, features slender, dark coloured stems which bear dark green leaves with a...

From$22.01
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade

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
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

From$16.50
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$17.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade

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
viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1
Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum'

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera 'Silver Variegated' is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
Griselinia Variegata growing in a garden.
Griselinia littoralis variegata (Variegated Griselinia)

Griselinia littoralis variegata carries dark green leaves with a heavy cream edge. This fast-growing evergreen typically reaches 2 m in height and...

From$18.95
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' plant with yellow flowers.
Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra'

Hemerocallis 'Golden Zebra' is a striking daylily admired for its golden yellow flowers and attractive variegated arching foliage. Flowering through...

From$19.25
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

From$37.19
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$20.63
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3
Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

From$349.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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 '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...

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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Pizzazz' plant with blue and white variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Pizzazz'

Hosta 'Pizzazz' is a striking shade loving perennial grown for its bold variegated foliage that brings colour, texture, and elegance to New Zealand...

OUT OF STOCK
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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Queen Josephine' plant with variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Queen Josephine'

Hosta 'Queen Josephine' is an elegant shade loving perennial that brings outstanding colour and texture to New Zealand gardens. Its attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Buxus, and Hedera, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Evergreen Climbers, and Grasses.

Search variegated hostas for shade

Why Choose Variegated Hostas for Shade?

Variegated hostas are the perfect solution for shady gardens where other plants might struggle. Their vibrant patterned leaves reflect light, visually lifting dim areas and adding bold contrast to companion ferns, astilbes, and heucheras. Most types thrive in partial to full shade, withstanding cold winters and adapting well to New Zealand’s varied climates. Once established, hostas require minimal maintenance—just mulch to retain moisture, occasional watering during dry spells, and a spot sheltered from strong afternoon sun and wind.

Top Variegated Hostas for New Zealand Gardens

There’s a dazzling array of variegated hostas for shade to suit every taste and garden style. For a classic look, Hosta Minuteman features deep green leaves margined with crisp white, creating a sophisticated mound of foliage that looks good throughout the season. If you’d like a hosta that adds a golden glow to your garden, Hosta 'Golden Tiara' (Hosta Golden Tiara) is an excellent choice, with compact growth and chartreuse-edged leaves—the perfect edging plant for pathways and borders.

For something truly eye-catching, Hosta Patriot delivers bold drama with its thick leaves boldly outlined in white, while Hosta Queen Josephine combines muted blue-green leaves with creamy-yellow margins for a unique multicolour effect. Don’t miss Hosta Pizzazz if you want a large, architectural feature plant—it offers broad, showy leaves with strong variegation that will be a highlight in any shaded landscape.

Planting and Caring for Variegated Hostas

Plant your variegated hostas for shade in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas are happiest with consistent moisture, especially during the warmer months, so mulch well to help retain soil dampness. Slugs and snails can nibble hosta leaves, so lookout for these garden pests and manage them promptly. In autumn, cut back old foliage as plants go dormant—new growth will emerge fresh and vibrant each spring.

Brighten Shade with Variegated Hostas

Variegated hostas for shade are unbeatable for adding texture, colour, and structure beneath trees or alongside buildings. Explore our collection of hostas today and discover how easy it is to achieve a lush, inviting shade garden in your own backyard. From the striking white margins of Hosta Patriot to the golden hues of Hosta 'Golden Tiara' (Hosta Golden Tiara), the perfect hosta is waiting to brighten your garden’s shaded spots.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Cereus tetragonus and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim', Hemerocallis 'Stella De Oro', and Camellia 'Red Red Rose' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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