Overview
Hosta 'John Wargo' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'John Wargo' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Hosta 'John Wargo' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its simple ovate or lanceolate leaves that may display attractive colours or variegation. This deciduous plant thrives in full or partial shade, favouring east-, north-, or west-facing sheltered aspects. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. In early summer, it produces erect racemes with nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers. Suitable for city gardens, courtyards, and containers, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and benefits from spring mulching and propagation by division in late summer or early spring.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hosta
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hosta 'John Wargo' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta 'John Wargo'
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be affected by vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'John Wargo'?
Hosta 'John Wargo' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta 'John Wargo' need?
Hosta 'John Wargo' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hosta 'John Wargo' hardy in the UK?
Hosta 'John Wargo' 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 'John Wargo'?
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Dust Devil' (_fortunei_) (v)Hosta

- Hosta 'Francee'Hosta

- Hosta 'Honeybells'plantain lily 'Honeybells'

- Hosta 'Kabitan'Plantain Lily

- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'plantain lily 'Krossa Regal'

- Hosta 'Royal Standard'plantain lily 'Royal Standard'

- Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v)plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes'