Hosta fortunei var. stenantha (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta fortunei var. stenantha 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. stenantha 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. stenantha is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae grown principally for its broad, ribbed leaves, which are often variegated or glaucous. The foliage is deciduous and provides season-long structural interest. Plants produce their flowers from June to August. It is native to Japan.

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. stenantha is a mounded, clump-forming perennial from Japan valued for broad, ribbed leaves that may be variegated or glaucous. It belongs to the Asparagaceae and flowers in the UK between June and August, though the foliage is typically the principal garden feature. Plant in fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter and aim for soil that is neutral to slightly acid. Keep the soil reliably moist but avoid waterlogging. Position the plant in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing, sheltered site; blue-leaved selections retain their colour best when kept out of stronger sun. The species is fully hardy to H7 (USDA zones 3–9), so it will tolerate cold winters when given a protected aspect. Use it where leaf texture and contrast are needed: sheltered shade borders, alongside paths where the leaf form can be admired, or beneath light canopy trees on a cool aspect. Avoid exposed, south-facing sites or heavy, poorly drained ground. If you prefer the bluer leaf tones, choose a glaucous form and place it away from direct sunlight to help maintain that character through the season.

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. stenantha 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. stenantha

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. stenantha?

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. stenantha?

Hosta fortunei var. stenantha 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. stenantha need?

Hosta fortunei var. stenantha 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. stenantha?

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. stenantha hardy in the UK?

Hosta fortunei var. stenantha 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. stenantha?

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 →