Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta

Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Waterslide'

Proven Winners®

Glaucous Blue Leaves with Dramatic Wavy Ruffles Create Shimmering Water-Like Effect in Shade
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Ideal for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$34³⁵

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This Hosta thrives in full shade to part shade, ideally receiving only dappled morning light or 2 to 4 hours of gentle sun. Excessive direct afternoon sunlight will scorch the delicate blue ripples and cause the vibrant color to fade to a dull green.
Soil: Plant in rich, organic soil that holds moisture but does not stay swampy. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to crown rot during the winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system anchor itself. Once established, this variety is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture will result in smaller leaves and crispy brown edges. Aim to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which prevents spotting and keeps the blue waxy coating looking its best.

Pruning Tips

Since Hostas grow from a central crown, they do not require traditional pruning, but you should remove spent flower stalks once the purple blooms fade to direct energy back into the roots. In late autumn after a hard frost, cut the yellowed foliage back to ground level and clear it away. This acts like a clean slate for spring and prevents pests like slugs from overwintering in the debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the "pips" or pointed tips begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't be tough enough to survive the first freeze. A simple top dressing of compost each spring is often all this low maintenance perennial needs to stay lush.

Delivery and Shipping

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.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Groundcover, Flowering, Wet Soils, Attracts Hummingbirds, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Blue green, Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hosta
Botanical Name	Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Waterslide'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Waterslide
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Make the most of your secluded, shady landscapes with the beautiful mystery of the Proven Winners® Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta (Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Waterslide'). Glaucous blue leaves seem to shimmer in the shade! Blue-gray Waterslide Hosta features heavy, wavy, ruffled edges that grab your attention. The effect looks like rushing water in your shade garden!

Watch as they grow into a wide-spreading, low-growing decoration for an easy-maintenance shade garden. You'll appreciate their ripple-edged, cool blue tones all season long. The summer flowers are a nice perk and attract hummingbirds and Pollinators. Held above the beautiful foliage on tall spires, the lavender bells become a charming feature in your mid-summer garden.

Rest and relax with their help, because Hostas don't ask for much in return! Count on easy-care Hosta whether you are just getting started as a gardener, in full swing with a busy lifestyle, or are downsizing into a smaller space after many years. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9, these low-growing and wide-spreading perennials reach 14 inches in height and about 3 feet wide!

Planting and Application:

No matter if you own or rent, you can amplify the beauty of any shady spots in your space. Maybe a corner of your balcony stays dim all day. Or perhaps you are the proud owner of mature trees. Grow them in the ground, or in large outdoor container. Just don't miss out on the tremendous splash of visual interest brought by Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta.

If you have a tiny plot or only have room for a single container, use a single species planting of multiple Waterslide Hosta. You'll love the blue wave delivered by these showy foliage plants. Use groupings in at least three, if you can, or run them in a long ribbon of incredible color and texture along the edge of your planting bed. Space them 30 inches apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next and enjoy their groundcover beauty.

Create a new planting bed underneath mature evergreens. It needn't be terribly wide, a mere narrow strip will suit. For a fun look, place a larger gold Hosta variety in the back of Waterslide. Hostas are eminently collectible, after all. Nature Hills offers so many gorgeous varieties. Mix and match to create a dynamic shade garden for very little effort.

If you want to make a larger feature, add Waterslide along with shade-loving native shrubs like Henry's Sweetspire and Mount Airy Fothergilla. Plant them in the shade of Limelight Hydrangea, or Red Twigged Dogwood. This sophisticated choice looks great in foundation plantings, as well. Let them fill in any bare spaces with easy blue grace and ruffled charm.

Spectacular, Powdery Blue-Toned Foliage & Feature Ruffled Edges
Fragrant Lavender Flowers Held on Tall Spires
Spreads to Become Showy, Low Mound
Attracts Hummingbirds & Pollinators
Enchanting in Containers, Beds, Borders & Specimen Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Give Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta no more than four hours of direct sunlight a day. It performs best in full shade to partial shade. Apply a medium amount of water on a consistent basis, especially in times of drought. Mulch over the root system to keep it cool and damp; but be sure to pull the mulch back away from the stems.

After the summer flowers fade, simply cut the spires back to maintain a manicured look in your landscape. Dip your shears into the canopy of leaves for a professional job. As the season wears on, allow the frost to kill back the foliage. Then, rake or prune away the dry, brown foliage at the end of the season. Please be patient next spring, as these perennials can be a bit slow to wake up for the new season. You'll be thrilled to see the new shoots emerge from the crown! Divide every 3-5 years to maintain the plant's vigor.

So Useful in Partial Shade to Full Shade
Widely Adaptable - Any Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Moisture Loving Plant
Excellent Slug & Snail Resistance
Very Easy Care, Cold Hardy & Humidity Tolerant
Prune In Late Fall

Enjoy a steely blue, textural accent for your shade garden with Proven Winners® Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta. Order today! Order from our expert growers today! We highly recommend you order enough to complete your entire project, as these popular plants are at risk of selling out.

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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?

Proven Winners® 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!

Shadowland® Waterslide Hosta

Hosta SHADOWLAND® 'Waterslide'