Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) (plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes') — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) 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 'Alligator Shoes' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae grown for its deciduous foliage and aptitude for shady positions. It performs best in full to partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils. Flowering occurs from June to August. It suits containers, courtyard planting and informal cottage borders where sheltered conditions are available.

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 'Alligator Shoes' sits in the genus Hosta within the Asparagaceae and is grown principally for its foliage habit as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial. The plant is deciduous and establishes into compact clumps that reappear each season; flowering runs from June to August. Use of the genus name helps when sourcing plants or discussing companion planting. Plant where light is limited: full shade to partial shade are both acceptable, and it tolerates east-, north- or west-facing aspects. It will grow in a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided they remain moist but well drained; a season’s top-dressing of compost will help retain an even moisture level while avoiding waterlogging. The exposure should be sheltered, and the UK hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy and will withstand normal winter conditions. Practical siting choices include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, and patio containers where its clump-forming habit reads well at close quarters. Place it where it will avoid hot afternoon sun and give it room to form a visible clump in a container or border; flowering scapes appear from June to August and can provide brief summer lift above the leaves.

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 'Alligator Shoes' (v) 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 'Alligator Shoes' (v)

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 'Alligator Shoes' (v)?

Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) need?

Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) 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 'Alligator Shoes' (v) hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v) 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 'Alligator Shoes' (v)?

Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →