Hosta clausa (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta clausa 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. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Hosta clausa 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. It is native to Korea, Manchuria and Primorye.

About

Hosta clausa is a clump-forming, mounded perennial grown for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It reaches about 0.2 m and dies back in winter. Flowering occurs from June to August. It favours shaded, sheltered sites with reliably moist, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta clausa

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 clausa is a compact member of the genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae) native to Korea, Manchuria and Primorye. It forms a low, mounded clump to roughly 0.2 m with deciduous, broad leaves that may be ribbed, puckered, variegated or glaucous; flowering is concentrated between June and August. Plant this Hosta where it will receive partial to full shade, ideally on a north- or east-facing aspect and in a sheltered spot. It prefers a fertile loam enriched with organic matter, neutral to slightly acid in reaction, and a soil regime that stays reliably moist without becoming waterlogged. Blue-leaved forms tend to hold their colour best out of strong sun. The UK hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy; the USDA range 3–9 gives a wider context for climates beyond the UK. Its compact 0.2 m height suits the front of a shaded border or a clustered planting in a cool, sheltered bed where low-scale foliage contrast is needed. Because the foliage is deciduous, plan companion plants that fill gaps when the leaves die back, and note the specific flowering window of June to August when considering seasonal sequence in a shade border.

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 clausa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 0.2 m
Native to: Korea, Manchuria, Primorye

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta clausa

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 clausa?

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 clausa?

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

What soil does Hosta clausa need?

Hosta clausa 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 clausa?

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.

How big does Hosta clausa grow?

Hosta clausa reaches a height of 0.2 m.

Is Hosta clausa hardy in the UK?

Hosta clausa 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 clausa?

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 →