Hosta fortunei var. rugosa (wrinkled-leaved plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta fortunei var. rugosa 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. rugosa 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. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta fortunei var. rugosa is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae, valued for broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It prefers partial to full shade and keeps its best colour away from direct sun, especially in blue-leaved forms. Flowers appear from June to August. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it needs fertile loam kept reliably moist but not waterlogged.

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

A member of the genus Hosta native to Japan, Hosta fortunei var. rugosa forms a neat mound of large, ribbed leaves that may show variegation or a glaucous (blue-green) bloom. The foliage is deciduous and provides texture in shade; flowering stalks emerge in summer, with blooms appearing from June to August. It sits in the Asparagaceae family and is winter-hardy across the UK (H7) and in USDA zones 3–9. Sit this hosta in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing, sheltered aspect and work generous organic matter into a fertile loam before planting. Aim for soil that remains reliably moist without standing water and a neutral to slightly acid pH. Blue-leaved selections retain their tone better out of strong sun. In the garden, choose shaded beds or borders where the soil stays cool and damp; mulch to conserve moisture and avoid exposed, windy sites. Expect broad, puckered leaves as the main feature, with summer flower spikes 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 var. rugosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta fortunei var. rugosa

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. rugosa?

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. rugosa?

Hosta fortunei var. rugosa 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. rugosa need?

Hosta fortunei var. rugosa 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. rugosa?

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. rugosa hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei var. rugosa 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. rugosa?

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 →