Hosta Classification Traits from the Hosta Helper by PlantsGalore.Com

Hostas have three basic rates at which they grow i.e. make divisions and reach mature clump, that include:

1. Fast Growing Hostas - Plants in this category will multiply quickly in landscape which means that they produce large numbers of buds each season which result in a larger clump in the following year. These plants will grow into a mature clump very quickly and may require division more frequently.

Note: The following is a list of "fast growing" hostas compiled from several sources in books, Hosta Journals and websites. Plants appear on this list based on personal observations and subjective comparisons with other hostas.

'Alex Summers'

'Blue Angel'

'Candy Hearts'

'Feather Boa' (above)

'Fried Bananas'

'Gold Standard'

'Immense'

'Liberty'

H. montana 'Aureomarginata'

'Pearl Lake'

'Regal Splendor'

'Stained Glass'

'Sugar and Cream'

'Sum and Substance'

'Sweet Home Chicago'

'Twist of Lime'

'Wolverine'

2. Moderate Growing Hostas - This group of hostas expands at a rate slower than the fast growers and faster than the slow growers...wow, what a definition. Actually, that relative description is as good as any since we are not aware of any specific measurements that would make the definition more precise.

Note: The following is a list of "moderate growing" hostas compiled from several sources in books, Hosta Journals and websites. Plants appear on this list based on personal observations and subjective comparisons with other hostas.

3. Slow Growing Hostas - Generally, these are hostas that add buds to the crown very slowly. It takes several years for these to reach their mature clump size.

Note: The following is a list of "slow growing" hostas compiled from several sources in books, Hosta Journals and websites. Plants appear on this list based on personal observations and subjective comparisons with other hostas.

'Big Daddy'

'Elegans'

'Emily Dickinson' (above)

'Gene's Joy'

'Great Expectations'

H. hypoleuca

'King Michael'

'Maekawa'

'Northern Lights'

'Raleigh Remembrance'

'Sagae'

'Snow Cap'

'Summer Music'

H. ‘Tokudama Aureonebulosa'

'Zounds'