Overview
Hosta is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Hosta is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial valued for its shade-tolerant foliage and seasonal flower display. Leaves are deciduous, dying back in winter and reappearing in spring. It suits sheltered, east-, north- or west-facing positions and flowers in June to August. Plants form recognisable clumps that can be expanded by division.
About the genus
Hosta is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies and occasionally by the Japanese name gibōshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hosta
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hosta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be affected by vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hosta?
Hosta prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta need?
Hosta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hosta hardy in the UK?
Hosta has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hosta?
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hosta 'Abiqua Blue Crinkles'
- Hosta 'Blue Haired Lady'
- Hosta 'Celestial'
- Hosta 'China' (_plantaginea_)
- Hosta 'Crimson Desire'
- Hosta 'Abiqua Delight' (v)
- Hosta 'Abraham Lincoln'
- Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v)plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes'