Frances Williams Hosta

Name: Frances Williams Hosta
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 10579
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.12 (8 reviews)

Hosta seiboldiana 'Frances Williams'

Giant Blue-Green Leaves with Golden Chartreuse Margins Transform Shady Spaces into Living Art
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Showy Purple, White Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Excellent Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$29⁴¹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a to 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple, White
Foliage Color	Green, Variegated
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Hosta
Botanical Name	Hosta seiboldiana 'Frances Williams'
Species	seiboldiana
Cultivar	Frances Williams
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Frances Williams Hosta (Hosta 'Frances Williams') is an attention-getter for your shady garden. The large blue-green leaves have a splotched chartreuse edge and can grow to over a foot long and wide on their own! Bold shade garden additions, Hostas live large and live long!

Later in the summer, it'll send up stems of white bell-shaped flowers. They'll compliment the leafy green foliage very well and are great options for adding color to your shadier areas. Local Pollinators and hummingbirds both will adore these blooms as much as your vase bouquets will too! They are nectar-rich, with an "easy-access" shape, and they bloom at an important time of the season.

Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9, Frances Williams grows 2-3 feet in height but spreads wide 3-4 feet in width! Adaptable and easy to grow, Hosta are fantastic for gardeners of all levels.

Planting and Application:

Frances Williams Hostas are not diminutive plants that daintily edge your planting beds. These monsters can get over fairly tall and up to two yards wide and will fill your shady bed without a second thought. So plant and plant accordingly!

Luckily, These perennials are certainly easy enough for beginners to gain success in the shade garden. Thoughtfully planned Shade Gardens can help you and your loved ones cultivate a rewarding hobby as serene nature watchers! You'll definitely want to plan a seating area near your shade garden to enjoy your space. Garden design professionals look for plants that give visual interest at every layer.

Frances Williams Hosta looks great when mixed with other shade-loving plants. They make any shady area more refined and full. Use as filler underneath your shade trees, whose canopies can sometimes leave you wondering what to do with the area below.

Enormous Bi-Color Foliage - Chartreuse Edged Green
White to Purple Blooms in Mid-Summer
Blooms are Held High in Summer
Pollinators & Hummingbirds Relish the Nectar
Edging Plants, Shaded Area Specimens & Large-Scale Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Frances Williams loves the shade. In fact, too much sun can end up scorching the leaves. Keep them happy with well-drained soil that gets plenty of water during the growing season. The best way to water these Perennials is by getting under the leaves, directly on the soil, otherwise, the big leaves act like an umbrella and keep the water from going where you want it to. Almost completely pest and carefree, the only thing you'll want to keep an eye out for are slugs. Provide moderate yet consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Hosta appreciates a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch chips to help hold in moisture. Deadhead after flowers fade, and clean the foliage away from the plant once it dies back in the autumn.

Big Leaves & Color in Partial Shade to Full Shade
Easy to Grow In A Wide Variety of Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Long-Lived & Low-Maintenance
Textured Foliage Resists Pests & Slugs
Very Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant
Divide Every 3-5 Years

You will definitely enjoy these big boys for years to come. Order a pair of Frances Williams Hosta's to finish your gardening projects today from Nature Hills Nursery.

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

They're looking good!

Purchased 2 Frances Williams Hostas from Nature Hills. Both are doing very well; still somewhat small but expected to grow a lot next year. We have been very happy with the good service and high quality of their plants, and we would highly recommend Nature Hills for anyone purchasing plants online.

Frances Williams is one of those hostas that really hits its stride in the second and third year, so you have a lot to look forward to next season. A little extra mulch going into winter can help them settle in and come back even stronger in spring. Thanks for the kind words, Diane, and for recommending us to other gardeners. The Nature Hills Team

Doing

Doing great

Arrived yellow and not doing well in the ground

Arrived yellow and not doing well in the ground in full shade

Big Beautiful Hosta

You will love this hosta! Big beautiful leaves and white blooms. Really make a statement in the shade garden. Very easy to grow.

Hello St K.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Frances Williams Hosta! We’re delighted to hear how those big, beautiful leaves and delicate white blooms are making such a lovely statement in your shade garden. Hostas really do thrive in those spots, and it’s great that you found this variety not only eye-catching but also easy to grow.

If you ever want to enhance your hosta’s health even more, watering in the mornings and mulching its base can help keep the roots cool and moist. Also, keeping an eye out for slugs—a common hosta visitor—can make all the difference.

We appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback. Please know we’re always here if you’d like recommendations for companion plants that thrive in shade!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Foliage color

My yard is mostly all shade and the Frances Williams hosta adds a lot of much needed color. The size of these hostas also make the color more noticeable.

Hi Allie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Frances Williams hosta! We're delighted to hear that this shade-loving beauty is not only thriving in your yard but also bringing a splash of much-needed color. Its larger size and striking foliage truly make it a standout performer in shaded areas.

If you're ever looking to enhance that vibrant effect, selecting complementary plants with contrasting leaf colors or textures can create a captivating garden palette. Additionally, Frances Williams hostas prefer consistent moisture and rich, well-drained soil to maintain their lushness, so keeping an eye on watering during dry spells will ensure they stay happy and healthy.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us, and we're here if you have any questions or need further gardening tips!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Foliage color

My yard is mostly all shade and the Frances Williams hosta adds a lot of much needed color. The size of these hostas also make the color more noticeable.

Dear Allie,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with the Frances Williams hosta! We’re delighted to hear that its beautiful foliage color brightens up your shady yard and stands out with its impressive size. Hostas truly are wonderful for adding texture and interest to shaded garden areas.

If you’re looking to enhance that splash of color even more, you might consider pairing your hosta with some dark-leaved ferns or other shade-loving perennials like astilbes for contrast. Also, ensuring consistent moisture in the soil will help keep your hosta flourishing throughout the season.

We’re here if you ever have questions or want tips on expanding your shade garden!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Big Beautiful Hosta

You will love this hosta! Big beautiful leaves and white blooms. Really make a statement in the shade garden. Very easy to grow.

Dear St Louis Kris,

Thank you so much for sharing your glowing review of the Frances Williams Hosta! We’re delighted to hear that its big, beautiful leaves and delicate white blooms are making such a lovely statement in your shade garden. Hostas really shine as shade lovers, and having an easy-to-grow variety like Frances Williams is such a bonus for every gardener.

If you want to ensure your hosta continues to thrive, keeping the soil consistently moist yet well-drained will help maintain those lush leaves. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Also, Frances Williams responds wonderfully to some light fertilizer in early spring to encourage vibrant new growth.

If you ever need tips on plant care or ideas for complementing your shade garden, don’t hesitate to reach out—we love helping your garden flourish!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Hostas need full sun or shade?

Hosta does best in full sun in cooler climates but does appreciate afternoon protection from the worst of the summer sun, especially in the hottest of their growing zone range. In the hottest climates, Hosta like partial shade or dappled shade, and some varieties will do great in full shade.

Where do Hostas grow best?

Hosta plants love enriched, well-drained soil that is moderately yet consistently moist throughout the growing season. They appreciate mulched garden beds.

Do Hostas come back every year? Are Hostas a perennial plant?

With vigorous carefree growth, Hostas are herbaceous perennial plants that will return year after year with little maintenance.

What do you do with Hostas in the fall? What do you do with Hostas in the winter?

Hosta leaves will die back after frost but the crowns and roots remain intact and dormant until next spring. Prune back the leaves once they turn brown in the autumn and remove them from the plant's area. For winter protection, add a layer of compost or mulch over the crowns to protect them from the chill.

Do Hosta attract hummingbirds or pollinators?

Hostas are loved by pollinators and hummingbirds! All walks of beneficial pollinators will show up to sip their nectar.

What Shipping Options Do You Offer?

NatureHills.com works closely with our growers and nursery professionals to ensure we ship when it is most appropriate for your area. Our goal is to deliver the hardiest plants by avoiding extreme high and low temperatures. Check out our shipping schedule for more information and to learn our wills and don'ts when it comes to shipping plants. Find your Hosta Plants for sale here at NatureHills.com!

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Frances Williams Hosta