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 from the Asparagaceae family, known commonly as plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes'. Like other Hostas, it features simple, deciduous leaves and produces nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. This cultivar thrives in partial or full shade with shelter from cold, drying winds, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained soil of various types and pH levels. Suitable for city and courtyard gardens as well as patios and informal garden settings, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and is best propagated 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.
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
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Abiqua Blue Crinkles'
- Hosta 'Blue Haired Lady'
- Hosta 'Celestial'
- Hosta 'China' (_plantaginea_)
- Hosta 'Crimson Desire'
- Hosta 'Abiqua Delight' (v)
- Hosta 'Abraham Lincoln'