Hosta 'Drake's Tail' (Hosta) — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Drake's Tail' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Drake's Tail' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Hosta 'Drake's Tail' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae with deciduous leaves and a defined summer flowering season. It suits partial shade in sheltered sites and is recommended for north-, east- or west-facing aspects. The cultivar prefers neutral loam that remains moist but well drained and carries a UK hardiness rating of H7 (fully hardy). Flowers appear from 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

An herbaceous perennial within the genus Hosta, 'Drake's Tail' belongs to a group of plants originating from north-east Asia and grown widely for shaded borders. It forms a steady clump of deciduous leaves and produces its flowers in the summer months, adding seasonal interest above the foliage. Plant in partial shade on a neutral, loamy soil that stays moist but drains freely; avoid exposed, windy sites by choosing a sheltered position on a north-, east- or west-facing aspect. The cultivar is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy across the UK and can remain in ground through winter provided it does not sit in waterlogged soil. 'Drake's Tail' fits well in city courtyards, cottage and informal borders, patio containers and as an underplanting beneath roses and shrubs where shade and protection are available. Its clump-forming habit makes it useful for filling gaps at the base of shrubs or softening hard landscaping. Expect its flowers from June to August and site it so those seasonal blooms are visible above neighbouring plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta 'Drake's Tail' 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, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs