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

Overview

Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha 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 var. leucantha 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

Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the asparagus family prized for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It is deciduous and produces summer flower spikes. Suited to shade, the foliage retains its best colour out of strong sun. Flowering occurs June to August.

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 clump-forming, mounded perennial, Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha belongs to the Asparagaceae and is grown primarily for its foliage — broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. The plants are deciduous and will send up flower spikes in summer; flowering time is June to August. Plant in a fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter, on neutral to slightly acid soil that remains reliably moist but never waterlogged. Give the plant a north- or east-facing position and protection from prevailing winds; a sheltered site in partial to full shade suits it best. Note that blue-leaved forms keep their tone more strongly when out of strong sun. Hardiness is H7, which means the variety is fully hardy in UK gardens and will survive typical winter conditions without special protection. Use it where a mid-border or shaded border needs substantial textured leaves: under trees with dappled light, alongside ferns and shade-tolerant perennials, or lining a cool, sheltered path. Expect summer scapes that rise above the foliage; cut back the flowering stems once they have finished to keep the clump tidy and to direct energy back into the crown.

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 var. leucantha 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 var. leucantha

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 var. leucantha?

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 var. leucantha?

Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha 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 var. leucantha need?

Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha 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 var. leucantha?

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 var. leucantha hardy in the UK?

Hosta caput-avis var. leucantha 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 var. leucantha?

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 →