Fortune's hosta vs Hosta

Fortune's hosta and Hosta are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, container, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

Illustration of Fortune's hosta

Fortune's hosta

Hosta fortunei 60 cm × 90 cm after 10 years

The Fortune's hosta group (for example gold-edged 'Aureomarginata' and white-edged 'Francee' and 'Patriot') is a dependable foliage plant for part…

Perennial
Part shade
Shade
from about CZK 99
Illustration of Hosta

Hosta

Hosta × hybrida 50 cm × 80 cm after 10 years

Hostas are the classic foliage plants for shady parts of the garden: broad, veined leaves in green, powdery blue, gold or with white or yellow…

Perennial
Part shade
Shade
from about CZK 100

Key differences

  • Fortune's hosta needs less care than Hosta.

  • Fortune's hosta is cheaper: about CZK 130 at the size usually planted, against about CZK 200 for Hosta.

Which one to choose?

Fortune's hosta is the better choice if you have little time for care or price matters.

Watch out for

Fortune's hosta
Slugs and snails are the main problem: they can riddle the leaves with holes in a short time, so control has to start as the shoots emerge. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaves scorch and brown at the edges in midday and afternoon sun, especially on white and yellow variegated forms; plant it in shade or at most morning sun and water in dry spells. The crown can rot in waterlogged soil. Plants infected with Hosta Virus X (mottled, distorted leaves) must be removed and destroyed, as the virus spreads on tools and by division. Hail and strong wind tear the leaves, and vine weevil grubs can attack the roots of plants in pots.
Hosta
Slugs and snails are the main enemy: from spring on they chew ragged holes in the leaves and can ruin a plant in a short time; thick, tough-leaved cultivars (many of the blue ones) resist better. Leaves brown and scorch in strong sun and dry soil, and the waxy bloom of blue forms wears off. Late spring frost damages the newly emerging shoots, and hail shreds the leaves. Hosta virus X (HVX) cannot be cured: remove and destroy any plant with mottled, mosaic-patterned or distorted leaves, roots included, and disinfect your tools. Vine weevil grubs in pots and voles in the ground may eat the roots, and foliar nematodes also occur.

The data side by side

Feature
Fortune's hosta
Hosta
Group Perennial Perennial
Size after 10 years 60 cm × 90 cm 50 cm × 80 cm (uncertain)
Ultimate size 30–90 cm × 0.4–1.2 m (uncertain) 0.1–1.2 m × 0.2–1.5 m (uncertain)
Growth rate Medium Medium (uncertain)
Light Part shade, Shade Part shade, Shade
Soil Average garden soil, Acidic Average garden soil
Hardiness down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Heat tolerance Medium Medium (uncertain)
Foliage Deciduous Deciduous
Flowering June–August, purple (uncertain) June–September, white, purple
Water need Medium Medium
Drought tolerance Low Low
Maintenance Low Medium
Planting distance 60 cm 60 cm
For dogs Toxic Toxic
For cats Toxic Toxic
Typical price approx. CZK 130 approx. CZK 200

Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 17, 2026

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