Perennial
Hosta
Hosta
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
StandardHostaAureo MarginataHosta fortuneiDancing QueenHostaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightPart Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size6 inches to 3 feet × 1-4 feet (varies dramatically by cultivar)
About Hosta
Hosta (Hosta spp.) is a shade-tolerant herbaceous perennial grown for bold, ornamental foliage in greens, blues, gold, and variegated combinations. In NE Florida (Zone 9b), hostas are challenging — most cultivars decline within a few years due to insufficient winter chill hours and summer heat. Select heat-tolerant varieties such as Hosta plantaginea or SunHosta™ and site in deep shade with ample moisture. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- White, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Hostas require partial shade — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. In NE Florida's intense heat, deep shade under live oaks or north-facing exposures is essential; direct afternoon sun will scorch and kill plants quickly.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist; hostas are very sensitive to drought, particularly in Florida's summer heat. Water deeply 2–3 times per week. Mulch generously with pine bark to retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler. Overhead irrigation promotes fungal disease — water at the base.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Amend NE Florida sandy soils heavily with compost. Fertilize lightly in early spring only — not summer — with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Note: most hosta cultivars fail within 1–3 years in Zone 9b due to insufficient winter chill hours; select proven heat-tolerant varieties such as Hosta plantaginea or SunHosta™.
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Common questions
Is Hosta a good plant for St. Augustine?
Hosta is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 6 inches to 3 feet × 1-4 feet (varies dramatically by cultivar).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.