Texture (visual) is usually related to the relative size of plant parts. This means that plants with large leaves, flowers and/or stems are considered coarse while those with small or thin parts are fine texture.

In hostas, there are several factors that may contribute to the impact of texture by the individual plant. Overall plant size and form may be of primary concern in the landscape. Hosta leaf size, substance, ripples, corrugation, piecrusting, cupping, glossiness and even shape are important too. Flower size and form may also contribute on some cultivars.

A second feature of texture is the appearance of the top and bottom surface of the leaves. Terms such as dull, shiny or galucous bloom refer to leaf surface texture.

As with many design considerations in the garden, the key is to have variety of texture to avoid a monotonous effect.

Generally, hostas (and all plants) fall into one of three categories:

1. Coarse Texture

2. Medium Texture

3. Fine Texture

1. Coarse Texture - Generally, these plants are large to giant in size and have thick substance to their leaves. Heavy waves, ripples, piecrusting and corrugation in the leaves is frequently present. They may also bear large flowers and have massive clumps of blooms with large seed pods. The plants cast heavy shadows on nearby areas.

2. Medium Texture - Usually large to medium sized plants would fall into this group. They might have slightly thinner leaf substance and the leaf effect such as corrugation would be more moderate. Flowers would be of a more standard size and not in larger clumps on the scapes. Upright or vase-shaped forms may help an even larger plant appear to be of a medium texture.

3. Fine Texture - Most people associate hostas with coarse textures but there are plenty of the small and miniature types that fit into the fine texture type. These plants often have lanceolate or small leaves that have a smooth surface.