Hosta albomarginata (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta albomarginata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous foliage. Hosta albomarginata grows best in partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun, and tolerates fertile loam enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Sakhalin, the Kurils and Japan.

About

Hosta albomarginata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial with broad, ribbed leaves often variegated or glaucous. It dies back in winter and produces summer flowers between June and August. Suited to shady, sheltered spots, it is grown for its foliage as much as its blooms.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldii

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 albomarginata is a clump-forming perennial from Sakhalin, the Kurils and Japan, valued for its broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or show a glaucous bloom. It flowers in the UK from June to August, producing blooms above the foliage during midsummer. Plant it in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect, in fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter and kept reliably moist but never waterlogged. Give a sheltered position away from strong sun and drying winds; blue-leaved kinds in the genus hold their colour best out of direct sun. The species is rated H7 (fully hardy), so it tolerates normal UK winter conditions when planted in an appropriate, sheltered spot. Use Hosta albomarginata where leaf texture and seasonal contrast are needed: shaded borders, beneath light tree canopies or beside paths where its mounded clumps and variegated leaves can be inspected at close range. Expect neat mounds of broad, ribbed foliage with summer flowers from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun
Soil type: Fertile loam enriched with organic matter
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Reliably moist but never waterlogged
Aspect: North or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta albomarginata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Native to: Sakhalin, the Kurils, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta albomarginata

Cultivation: Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.
Pruning: No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.
Propagation: Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.
Pest resistance: Highly attractive to slugs and snails, which is the one real limiting factor; vine weevil can be serious in containers.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Hosta virus X is the notable exception — affected plants should be destroyed rather than divided.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hosta albomarginata?

Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.

Where is the best place to plant Hosta albomarginata?

Hosta albomarginata prefers partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta albomarginata need?

Hosta albomarginata grows best in fertile loam enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged.

How do I prune Hosta albomarginata?

No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.

Is Hosta albomarginata hardy in the UK?

Hosta albomarginata 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 albomarginata?

Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →