Hosta 'Kabitan' (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta 'Kabitan' 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 'Kabitan' 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.

About

Hosta 'Kabitan' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial plantain lily valued for its broad, ribbed deciduous leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It favours partial to full shade and holds its leaf colour best out of direct sun. Plant in fertile loam enriched with organic matter and keep the soil reliably moist but never waterlogged. Flowering occurs from June to August.

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 'Kabitan' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta grown for its broad, ribbed or puckered foliage, which may be variegated or glaucous and is deciduous. It flowers in the summer, with blooms appearing between June and August, and is classed H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy in typical UK conditions; it also corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Plant 'Kabitan' in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect where it will be sheltered from strong winds and hot afternoon sun. A fertile loam improved with organic matter suits the root run, and soil should be kept reliably moist without becoming waterlogged; neutral to slightly acid pH is preferred. Blue-leaved forms in the genus hold their colour best when grown out of strong sun, so avoid bright, exposed positions for plants with glaucous foliage. In the garden, place Hosta 'Kabitan' where shade and moisture are consistent: shaded borders, cool sheltered corners and similar north- or east-facing spots. Its mounded, clump-forming habit provides foliage interest through spring and early summer, with the plant's summer flowering window from June to August providing the seasonal finishing note.

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 'Kabitan' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Kabitan'

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 'Kabitan'?

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 'Kabitan'?

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

What soil does Hosta 'Kabitan' need?

Hosta 'Kabitan' 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 'Kabitan'?

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 'Kabitan' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Kabitan' 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 'Kabitan'?

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 →