Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' 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 fortunei 'Albopicta' 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. Suggested uses include shade garden, borders and ground cover. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial prized for its broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated. The foliage is deciduous and textured, forming a substantial ground-level mound. It flowers from June to August. Plant this in a sheltered north- or east-facing spot with reliably moist, fertile soil.

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 fortunei 'Albopicta' is a clump-forming perennial in the Asparagaceae, native to Japan. It is grown for large, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous, and for its mounded habit. Flowering takes place from June to August, produced on upright scapes above the foliage. Give this hosta a position in partial to full shade, ideally north- or east-facing and sheltered from strong winds. It prefers fertile loam enriched with organic matter, a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged. Hardiness is H7 in the UK (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it tolerates a wide range of winters when planted in suitable soil and shelter. Use Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' in shady borders, as a ground cover or in a dedicated shade garden where its variegated leaves can form a textured mound. Plants work well grouped to create a swath of foliage contrast and to hide crowns when dormant; the June to August flower display provides seasonal lift above the leaves.

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 fortunei 'Albopicta' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Suggested uses: Shade garden, Borders, Ground cover
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta'

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 fortunei 'Albopicta'?

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 fortunei 'Albopicta'?

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

What soil does Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' need?

Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' 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 fortunei 'Albopicta'?

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 fortunei 'Albopicta' hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei 'Albopicta' 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 fortunei 'Albopicta'?

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 →