Autumn Frost Hosta

Name: Autumn Frost Hosta
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 21409
Price: 34.36 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Hosta 'Autumn Frost'

Proven Winners®

$34³⁶

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This Hosta performs best in full to partial shade, requiring no more than 2 to 4 hours of morning sun. Excessive direct sunlight will scorch the blue centers and bleach the bright yellow margins to a dull cream.
Soil: Aim for rich, organic soil that drains well but holds onto moisture like a wrung out sponge. If you have heavy clay, mix in several inches of compost or aged bark to improve aeration and prevent crown rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the roots settle into their new home. Once mature, the Autumn Frost is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture will lead to crispy leaf edges and smaller foliage. Deep soakings at the base of the plant are better than frequent light sprinklings, as this encourages a deeper and more resilient root system.

Pruning Tips

Since Hostas grow from a central crown, they do not require traditional pruning, but you should remove spent flower stalks once the blooms fade to redirect energy back into the roots. In late autumn after a hard frost, the foliage will yellow and collapse; cut the leaves back to the ground at this time to remove hiding spots for slugs and snails. This annual cleanup ensures a fresh and healthy start when the plant "wakes up" in the spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the "pips" or new shoots begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter freezes arrive. A single application of a general purpose 10-10-10 formula provides all the nutrients needed for that vibrant color contrast.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

The Autumn Frost Hosta (Hosta 'Autumn Frost') is derived from a line of champion Hostas! With unbeatable curb appeal, Autumn Frost is a low-care perennial that is perfect for gardeners of all experience levels! The purple blooms and broad, coarse leaves bring added interest and lush texture to the shade garden without taking up any of your time!

A showier version of First Frost, Autumn Frost has leaves that emerge a frosty blue but have extra wide bright yellow margins. These margins lighten to a creamy white during summer. Bell-shaped lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising on scapes 16 inches long! Bees, butterflies and Hummingbirds will seek out these tubular blooms and you'll love adding a few to your bouquets indoors too!

Wonderfully easy-care, vigorous, and low-maintenance, Hostas are as cold-hardy as they are heat and humidity resistant! Thriving in a wide variety of growing conditions throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9!

Planting and Application:

A great choice for any beginner gardener! They are perfect for shade gardens, mixed with other shade perennials. Use them as a groundcover, edging, and as underplanting beneath larger trees and shrubs. You will be very pleased with the mounding habit, striking foliage, and easy care of Autumn Frost!

Growing just 6-12 inches in height when in bloom and spreading nearly 2 feet wide, these big foliage ornamentals look great without taking up loads of space. Their bright bicolor leaves more than makeup for their size with sheer color! Ideal for tubs in the shade around your seating areas, and in patio pots and covered porches, the big bold leaves look great with tall sender thrillers or as a stand-alone specimen planting!

Autumn Frost is one of the most popular for landscape uses! You are going to love seeing these vigorous, fast-growing perennials fill in each spring from bare ground each year! So delightfully easy to grow, you'll want to create an entire Hosta garden to show off the amazing array of Hosta plants that are available at Nature Hills!

Wide Yellow Margins on Blue-Green Leaves
Margins Fade Throughout Summer
Lavender Flowers in Summer
Great for Cut Flowers & for Pollinators & Hummingbirds
Shade Gardens & Borders, Edging & Along Pathways

#ProPlantTips for Care:

High-filtered or dappled sunlight or even full shade is necessary for clean, healthy growth. The morning sun is best to dry the leaves of dew and will help to intensify the leaf colors, but the hot afternoon sun is usually deadly to these Hostas! These herbaceous perennials grow best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Provide moderate yet consistent moisture throughout the growing season and these appreciate a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch chips to help hold in moisture more consistently and help enrich the soil further. Deadhead after flowers fade, and clean the foliage away from the plant once it dies back in the autumn. Add a layer of mulch over the crown of the plants in the winter.

Performs Well in Full Shade to Partial Sun/Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Enriched Well-Drained Soil
Amazingly Easy-Care with Minimal Maintenance
Prune Back Late Autumn
Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant

Add a touch of frosty beauty all growing season with the Autumn Frost Hosta for your landscape! Be sure to order this most popular Hosta with Landscapers from the experts at Nature Hills!

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and spread of Autumn Frost Hosta?

Autumn Frost Hosta grows 6-12 inches tall when in bloom and spreads nearly 2 feet wide. This compact mounding habit makes it ideal for edging, groundcover, or container plantings. Allow adequate spacing for its mature 24-inch spread when planning your shade garden.

Does Autumn Frost Hosta grow well in zone 3 or colder climates?

Autumn Frost Hosta thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it exceptionally cold-hardy for northern gardens. This vigorous perennial emerges reliably each spring even after harsh winters. Shop at Nature Hills for this proven cold-climate performer.

What are the sunlight requirements for Autumn Frost Hosta – full shade, part shade, or part sun?

Autumn Frost Hosta thrives in shade to part shade conditions. This shade garden perennial performs best with protection from direct sunlight, which helps preserve its distinctive blue-green foliage with bright yellow margins. Plant it under trees, on the north side of structures, or in areas receiving morning sun with afternoon shade.

How much water does Autumn Frost Hosta need after planting?

Water Autumn Frost Hosta deeply once or twice weekly after planting, providing about 1 inch of water total. This vigorous perennial establishes quickly in zones 3-9 with consistent moisture. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the first growing season.

Is Autumn Frost Hosta deer resistant or do I need to protect it?

Hostas are not deer resistant and Autumn Frost will likely be browsed by deer if they're in your area. The broad, coarse leaves are actually quite appealing to deer. Use physical barriers like fencing or deer repellent sprays to protect your plants, available at naturehills.com.

When is the best time to plant Autumn Frost Hosta bare root or potted?

Plant Autumn Frost Hosta in spring after the last frost or in early fall, 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. This gives roots time to establish in zones 3-9. Spring planting allows you to watch the frosty blue leaves emerge with their bright yellow margins.

How is Autumn Frost Hosta shipped – bare root, potted, or dormant?

Autumn Frost Hosta ships as a potted plant during the growing season and as bare root crowns during dormant periods. This vigorous perennial establishes quickly in zones 3-9, growing 6-12 inches tall with a 2-foot spread. Plant bare root crowns in early spring for best results.

What are the care requirements for Autumn Frost Hosta in the first year?

Autumn Frost Hosta requires minimal care in its first year, thriving in shade across zones 3-9. Water regularly during establishment and apply mulch around the base. The vigorous perennial will reach 6-12 inches tall by bloom time in mid to late summer.

Will the variegation on Autumn Frost Hosta hold up through fall or change color?

The bright yellow margins on Autumn Frost Hosta naturally lighten to creamy white during summer and typically hold their variegation through fall. The foliage remains attractive until the first hard frost kills it back to the ground. Plant in partial to full shade to maintain the best leaf color contrast throughout the growing season.