Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata (tall-cluster plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata 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 var. aureomarginata 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 var. aureomarginata is a clump-forming perennial with broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It forms a mounded habit of deciduous foliage and produces summer flowers. Plants prefer shaded, sheltered spots and a fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Leaves die back over winter.

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 var. aureomarginata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae, native to Japan. It is grown principally for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves, which are often variegated or glaucous; the plant flowers in the UK from June to August. In temperate terms it is fully hardy (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Position this hosta in partial to full shade, ideally on a north or east-facing aspect and in a sheltered location. A fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter will support steady growth; aim for reliably moist but never waterlogged conditions and a neutral to slightly acid pH. Note that blue-tinged leaf forms retain their tone best out of direct sun, so avoid hot, exposed sites. Use Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata in a shaded border, as ground cover beneath trees, or tucked into mixed shade borders where its leaf texture contrasts with finer foliage. Allow space for the clump to mature and renew mulch each autumn to conserve moisture and feed the roots. The leaves are deciduous and die back over winter, leaving the crown to regrow the following spring.

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 var. aureomarginata 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 var. aureomarginata

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 var. aureomarginata?

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 var. aureomarginata?

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

What soil does Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata need?

Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata 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 var. aureomarginata?

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 var. aureomarginata hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei var. aureomarginata 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 var. aureomarginata?

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

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