Hosta Barbara May

Barbara May Hosta

Hosta 'Barbara May' — a medium-sized variegated hosta valued for its rich green leaves bordered by creamy yellow to soft ivory margins. The broad foliage forms a neat mound with gentle texture, and the pale margins brighten through the season to create strong contrast in shaded gardens. Lavender flowers rise above the foliage in midsummer, adding soft seasonal color while the foliage remains the primary ornamental feature.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 28–36 in
Height: 14–18 in (to ~24 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b

Form: Dense, mounded clump

Light: Partial shade to full shade; morning sun tolerated

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
A dependable variegated hosta for woodland gardens, edging, shade borders, and mixed hosta collections. Its clean variegation pairs well with blue hostas, gold foliage plants, and ferns.

Care:
Maintain evenly moist soil and mulch annually to conserve moisture. Protect pale margins from strong afternoon sun. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and clean old foliage in early spring. Divide mature clumps every few years if needed. 🌿








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Plant type

Perennial

Height

14-18''

Width

28-36"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid Summer

Flower color

Lavender

Fall color

SeaGreen

Attracts

Bees, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Normal, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Dense, Mounded

Drought tolerant

No