Hosta decorata (plantain lily 'Decorata') — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta decorata 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 decorata 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 Sakhalin, Kurils and Japan.

About

Hosta decorata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial plantain lily with broad, ribbed leaves often showing variegation or a glaucous bloom. It is deciduous and produces flowers in June to August. Plant in partial to full shade on fertile loam enriched with organic matter, keeping soil reliably moist but never waterlogged, and choose a north- or east-facing, sheltered position. Fully hardy in the UK (H7) and suitable for USDA zones 3–9, it is native to Sakhalin, the Kurils and Japan.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldii

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 decorata belongs to the Asparagaceae family and grows as a clump-forming, mounded perennial. Native to Sakhalin, the Kurils and Japan, it combines broad, ribbed or puckered leaves with summer flowering; expect blooms from June to August. The foliage is often variegated or carries a glaucous (blue-grey) bloom on some forms. Give Hosta decorata partial to full shade and a north- or east-facing, sheltered situation to protect leaf colour and growth habit. Soil should be fertile loam enriched with organic matter, neutral to slightly acid in reaction, and kept reliably moist but not waterlogged. Blue-leaved forms hold their tone best out of strong sun; exposure to wind or full sun can wash the blue or stress the leaves. In a UK garden, place it where its mounded clump of leaves can form a structural ground cover in shaded borders, alongside other shade-tolerant perennials or beneath deciduous trees that provide shelter. Because it is fully hardy (H7), it tolerates cold winters in most UK districts; foliage character—broad, ribbed and frequently variegated—provides the principal seasonal interest while flowers appear in June to 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 decorata size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta decorata

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 decorata?

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 decorata?

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

What soil does Hosta decorata need?

Hosta decorata 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 decorata?

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 decorata hardy in the UK?

Hosta decorata 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 decorata?

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 →