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

Overview

Hosta fortunei 'Obscura' 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 'Obscura' 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 fortunei 'Obscura' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or show a glaucous cast. The foliage is deciduous and forms a defined mound of leaves. It suits shady, sheltered positions where leaf colour and texture are most obvious. Flowering occurs from June to August.

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 'Obscura' is a mounded, clump-forming perennial in the Asparagaceae, grown primarily for its broad, ribbed leaves which can be variegated or take on a glaucous tone. The foliage is deciduous and presents a strong architectural shape at ground level. Grow it in partial to full shade on a north or east-facing, sheltered aspect. It prefers a fertile loam enriched with organic matter, a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that stays reliably moist without becoming waterlogged. Blue-leaved forms hold their colour best out of strong sun. In UK terms it is H7 — fully hardy — and also corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Use Hosta fortunei 'Obscura' where leaf texture and massing matter: shaded borders, under trees where drainage is consistent, or in larger containers placed clear of direct afternoon sun. Allow the clump room to form so individual leaves can develop their ribbed or puckered surface, and note its flowering period runs from 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 fortunei 'Obscura' 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 fortunei 'Obscura'

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 'Obscura'?

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 'Obscura'?

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

What soil does Hosta fortunei 'Obscura' need?

Hosta fortunei 'Obscura' 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 'Obscura'?

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 'Obscura' hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei 'Obscura' 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 'Obscura'?

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 →