Hosta 'Francee' (Hosta) — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Francee' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Q157167 family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Francee' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds and ground cover.

About

Hosta 'Francee' is a clump-forming Hosta cultivar noted for its deciduous, architectural leaves and summer flowering. It suits partially shaded, sheltered sites and prefers a neutral loam kept moist but well drained. Flowering occurs from June to August. Use it where a foliage ground layer is required beneath shrubs or roses.

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 'Francee' is a clump-forming Hosta cultivar with deciduous leaves and a defined flowering season from June to August. The emphasis is on foliage as the season-round feature; flower scapes appear in summer but the basal leaves provide the main structure through the growing season. Plant in partial shade on north-, east- or west-facing aspects in a sheltered spot to avoid drying winds. Choose a loam-based soil with a neutral pH and keep it consistently moist but well drained; these conditions suit the cultivar’s root habit and help maintain leaf condition. In UK terms the rating H7 indicates the plant is fully hardy, so established clumps will survive normal winter conditions in sheltered garden positions. Practical placements include underplanting of roses and larger shrubs, in flower borders and beds where a low, leaf-focused layer is needed, or as ground cover where the clumping habit can fill space. Because the foliage is deciduous, expect a seasonal cycle of emergence and dieback; plan companion planting accordingly so stems of shrubs or roses continue to provide structure when the hosta is dormant. Position Hosta 'Francee' where its leaves will form a tidy basal cover at the feet of taller plants and deliver summer blooms from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta 'Francee' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Francee'

Cultivation: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained neutral loam. Divide clumps in late summer or early spring to propagate. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed. Cut back flower stems after blooming.
Propagation: Division in late summer or early spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil
Disease resistance: Virus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hosta 'Francee'?

Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained neutral loam. Divide clumps in late summer or early spring to propagate. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.