Hosta albomarginata var. alba — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta albomarginata var. alba 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 var. alba 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 Japan.

About

Hosta albomarginata var. alba is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae valued for its broad, ribbed leaves which are often variegated or glaucous. It is deciduous and originates from Japan. Flowering occurs from June to August. Plants suit shaded, sheltered spots where soils stay evenly moist.

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 var. alba belongs to the Asparagaceae and originates in Japan; it forms a neat, mounded clump of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or show a glaucous finish. The foliage is deciduous and the plant produces its flowers in June to August. Plant in partial to full shade, placing specimens on a north or east-facing aspect and in a sheltered position to avoid drying winds. Work a generous amount of organic matter into a fertile loam and aim for a neutral to slightly acid pH; the soil should remain reliably moist but must not be waterlogged. As a rule within the genus, blue-leaved kinds hold their colour better out of direct sun, so give any bluer selections the shadiest spot available. With a UK hardiness rating of H7 this hosta is fully hardy and will tolerate winter cold. It is suited to shaded borders and mixed perennial beds where its variegated or glaucous leaves provide contrast with darker foliage plants. Expect its seasonal interest to centre on the leaf surfaces rather than showy flowers; the patterning of the leaves is the feature to watch through spring and summer.

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 var. alba size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta albomarginata var. alba

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 var. alba?

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 var. alba?

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

What soil does Hosta albomarginata var. alba need?

Hosta albomarginata var. alba 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 var. alba?

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 var. alba hardy in the UK?

Hosta albomarginata var. alba 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 var. alba?

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 →