Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v) (Hosta) — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae grown for its shade-tolerant foliage. The leaves are deciduous and the plant favours full to partial shade in sheltered positions. It suits a range of soils that are moist but well-drained and will flower from June to August. The clumping habit makes it straightforward to place in borders or containers.

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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) belongs to a genus native to north-east Asia and sits within the Asparagaceae. As a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial it is cultivated primarily for its foliage and performs where light is limited rather than in full sun. Flowers are produced from June to August, providing a seasonal burst of interest above the leaves. Plant in moist but well-drained soil; it tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand and will grow across a wide pH range from acid to alkaline. Position the plant in full shade or partial shade on east-, north- or west-facing sites and shelter it from harsh exposure. The hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy in the UK, so it will survive winter temperatures in outdoor beds and sheltered containers. Use Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) where shade and moisture coincide: city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal borders, or in patio containers. In a sheltered courtyard pot it will remain through winter and then produce its June–August flowers during the summer months, making it a discreet but dependable presence in shaded spots.

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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v)?

Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v) prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v) need?

Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v) hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (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 'Crater's Heart' (_venusta_) (v)?

Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.

More in the Hosta genus

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