Hosta Plant Prices – What To Expect For These Shade-Loving Perennials

With their attractive foliage and easy care nature, hostas are some of the most popular perennials for shady gardens. But before filling your yard with these lush leaves, it helps to know what to expect price-wise for hosta plants of various sizes from different sources. Here’s an overview of typical hosta plant prices.

Hosta Size Categories

Hostas range greatly in mature size, from just a few inches tall to giant 4+ foot specimens. Most are grouped into the following general size categories:

• Miniature – under 6 inches
• Small – 6 to 12 inches
• Medium – 12 to 23 inches
• Large – 23 to 29 inches
• Giant – over 29 inches

Miniatures and small hostas are sold in 2.5 to 3.5 inch pots. Mediums come in gallon pots. Larger hostas are available in 2+ gallon containers or bare root.

Typical Hosta Prices by Size

Miniature hostas – $5 to $12 per plantSmall hostas – $8 to $15 per plantMedium hostas – $10 to $20 per plantLarge hostas – $15 to $35 per plantGiant hostas – $20 to $50+ per plant

Rarer or patented varieties command prices at the higher end of these ranges Very common hostas can sometimes be found for lower prices,

Hosta Prices at Nurseries

Buying hostas from local nurseries is convenient but tends to be more expensive. Expect to pay $15 to $30 on average for a one gallon potted hosta at an independent or chain nursery.

Larger hosta specimens in two to five gallon containers often range from $30 up to $70 at nurseries. But you’ll find the best selection and capacity here.

Some ways to save at nurseries:

• Shop late season when inventory is discounted 20% to 50% off.
• Buy hosta bundles and multi-packs for a lower cost per plant.
• Look for smaller 4 inch starter pots often priced under $10.

Hosta Prices at Big Box Stores

Large home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell hostas seasonally. The selection is mostly common, smaller varieties.

Prices are often $10 to $15 for a one gallon pot. Mini hostas in 2 to 4 inch pots run $5 to $8 per plant.

These stores sometimes clear out unsold hostas for as low as $1 each at end of season!

Mail Order Hosta Prices

Online hosta specialists offer wider variety but mail order does add shipping costs. Expect to pay:

• Mini hostas – $6 to $15 each
• Small hostas – $8 to $20 each
• Medium hostas – $12 to $25 each
• Large hostas – $15 to $35 each
• Giant hostas – $25 to $50 each

Bare root hostas in spring offer significant savings over potted plants but require proper handling.

Order total shipping costs typically range from $10 to $25 standard or $35 to $65 expedited. Buying in bulk helps dilute shipping per plant.

Dividing Existing Hostas

Mature hosta clumps can be divided every 3 to 5 years in early spring or fall. This is the most budget way to get free new plants!

Space out and replant divisions 15 to 24 inches apart to regrow. Give divisions away or trade with other gardeners.

Average Cost for a Hosta Garden

Hostas planted 1 to 3 feet apart will fill an area nicely. Expect to spend:

• $100 to $300 to plant a small 10′ x 10′ hosta bed.
• $300 to $700 for a medium 20′ x 15′ hosta garden.
• $700 to $2,000 to fill a large 30′ x 20′ hosta planting.

These costs can come down through plant divisions and sales shopping. Adding 3 to 7 gallon large hostas as focal points increases budgets. But a well-designed hosta garden offers years of rewarding, low maintenance beauty.

Value for the Money

Though hosta plant prices are more than annuals, a well cared for hosta will last for many years in the garden. Their endlessly variable and colorful foliage provides great design impact for the shade. Hostas are very hardy when established and require minimal care. All told, hostas provide an excellent return on investment to enhance your landscape.