Hosta caput-avis (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta caput-avis 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 caput-avis 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.

About

A clump-forming, mounded perennial, Hosta caput-avis carries broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. The foliage is deciduous and blue-leaved forms hold their colour best out of sun. It flowers in the UK from June to August and favours partial to full shade on moisture-retentive, fertile loam.

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

A member of the Asparagaceae and the genus Hosta, Hosta caput-avis forms neat, mounded clumps of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that may be variegated or show a glaucous bloom. The foliage is deciduous; flowering occurs in the UK from June to August when scapes rise above the leaf mound. Place it in partial to full shade, ideally on a north- or east-facing aspect in a sheltered spot. Blue-leaved selections keep their tone better out of strong sun. Plant into fertile loam enriched with organic matter, with a neutral to slightly acid pH, and keep the soil reliably moist but never waterlogged to avoid crown rot. Hardiness is H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens and will tolerate winter conditions across the country (USDA zones 3–9). It suits shaded borders and beds, the dappled shade beneath trees, or grouped with other shade perennials where leaf texture is the main feature. Expect leaf mounds through the growing season and flower scapes to appear between June and 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 caput-avis size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta caput-avis

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 caput-avis?

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 caput-avis?

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

What soil does Hosta caput-avis need?

Hosta caput-avis 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 caput-avis?

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 caput-avis hardy in the UK?

Hosta caput-avis 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 caput-avis?

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 →