Hosta 'Patriot'
flowerPatriot is one of the most popular variegated hostas, grown for bold foliage that brightens shade. It forms a mound twelve to twenty inches tall and two to two and a half feet wide of broad, oval leaves with deep green centers and wide, irregular, crisp white margins that seem to glow in a dim corner. In summer it sends up scapes of lavender, funnel-shaped flowers above the leaves. Like all hostas it is a long-lived, easy-care perennial and the backbone of the shade garden, combining beautifully with ferns, astilbe, and other woodland plants. Its one real enemy is slugs, though the thick leaves give it some resistance.
Sun
partial shade
Water
Every 5 days
Bloom
~90 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
24-30 in. apart
Planting Depth
Set the crown level with the soil surface
Soil pH
6.0-6.5
Soil Type
Rich, moist, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 8
When to Fertilize
In spring as growth begins
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer or compost
Grow Patriot in part shade to full shade in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soil; some morning sun or dappled light brings out the brightest variegation, but hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves. It is hardy in zones 3 to 8 and needs consistent moisture - never let it dry out, and mulch to hold water. It is grown mainly for foliage; some gardeners remove the flower scapes, while others enjoy the lavender bloom. Cut the plant to the ground after frost blackens the leaves in fall to remove slug eggs and tidy the bed. Divide crowded clumps in spring or early fall to make more plants.
🌼 Have a different variety?Cultivars of the same species usually share the same basic care — they differ mainly in flower color, height, and bloom form, not in how you grow them. So this guide still applies even if your exact variety isn't the one shown.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first bloom
Jul 14
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
The number-one hosta pest, chewing holes in leaves - hand-pick at night, set out traps, avoid mulching right up to the crown, and cut the plant down in fall to remove eggs; the thick Patriot leaves resist them somewhat
Deer love hostas - use repellents or fencing where deer browse, as they can graze a clump to the ground
Causes brown wedges between leaf veins - avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, and discard badly infected plants
Hosta is grown for its foliage, not flowers, and the big variegated leaves are excellent in cut arrangements - snip a few mature leaves in the cool morning to add bold form and a bright edge to a bouquet. Some gardeners cut off the lavender flower scapes to keep the focus on the leaves; others leave them for the bees. In fall, cut the whole plant to the ground once frost has knocked it back, which also removes overwintering slug eggs.
An ornamental shade perennial grown for its bold variegated foliage. The summer lavender flowers are a nectar source for bees and hummingbirds, though the leaves are the main attraction.
Hostas contain saponins and are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if eaten, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. They are not a danger to handle or grow around; just discourage pets from chewing the leaves.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.