Overview
Hosta alismifolia is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta alismifolia 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 alismifolia is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Like other Hostas, it features simple ovate or lanceolate leaves and produces erect racemes with nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. This deciduous plant thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil under partial or full shade, ideally in sheltered positions. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and suits a variety of garden settings including city gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. Propagation is best done by division in late summer or early spring.
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
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 alismifolia 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 alismifolia
- 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 alismifolia?
Hosta alismifolia prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta alismifolia need?
Hosta alismifolia 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 alismifolia hardy in the UK?
Hosta alismifolia 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 alismifolia?
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Dust Devil' (_fortunei_) (v)Hosta

- Hosta 'Francee'Hosta

- Hosta 'Honeybells'plantain lily 'Honeybells'

- Hosta 'Kabitan'Plantain Lily

- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'plantain lily 'Krossa Regal'

- Hosta 'Royal Standard'plantain lily 'Royal Standard'

- Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v)plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes'