Hosta elata (plantain lily 'Elata') — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta elata 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 elata 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 elata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial plantain lily with broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It produces flower scapes in June to August above the foliage. Best grown in partial to full shade on fertile loam enriched with organic matter and kept reliably moist but not waterlogged. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and suits north or east-facing, sheltered positions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldiana

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 elata belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, and grows as a mounded, clump-forming perennial with broad, ribbed leaves that may show variegation or a glaucous (blue-green) bloom. Flowering takes place from June to August, when slim scapes rise above the foliage. The genus Host a is well suited to temperate gardens and this taxon is valued primarily for its leaves rather than its flowers. Plant it in partial to full shade, with blue-leaved forms kept out of strong sun so they retain their colour. A fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter and a neutral to slightly acid pH gives best results; the soil should remain reliably moist but never waterlogged. It prefers a north or east-facing aspect and a sheltered position. It is classed H7, meaning fully hardy in UK conditions (and roughly USDA zones 3–9). Use Hosta elata where shade and consistent moisture limit other planting: under trees with lifted mulch zones, along shaded borders or beside paths where the foliage can be appreciated up close. The plant’s deciduous leaves form the main seasonal feature outside the June–August flowering period, so place it where leaf texture and variegation can be seen at eye level.

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 elata 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 elata

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 elata?

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 elata?

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

What soil does Hosta elata need?

Hosta elata 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 elata?

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 elata hardy in the UK?

Hosta elata 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 elata?

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 →