Hosta (plantain lily) — Clump forming

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. The genus is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, and is native to northeast Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hosta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta

In the garden

Hosta belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is grown primarily for its foliage and summer flowering. As a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves, it produces a defined mound of foliage through the growing season and sends up flower stalks between June and August. Plant hostas where they receive full shade to partial shade; they tolerate a wide range of soils including chalk, clay, loam and sand provided the soil remains moist but well-drained. They cope with acid, neutral and alkaline pH. Choose a sheltered spot and an east-, north- or west-facing aspect to protect emerging shoots and reduce sun scorch on the leaves. Rated H7 (fully hardy), hostas will survive typical UK winters in the ground, though leaves die back until spring. Use hostas in city courtyards, cottage or informal borders, and containers or patios where shade is needed. Their clump-forming habit makes them straightforward to divide in spring or autumn to increase a stand or rejuvenate older plants. Expect new foliage each spring and flower stalks to rise above the leaves during the June–August flowering period.

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

Browse all Hosta →