Hosta kikutii (Japanese rock hosta) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta kikutii 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 kikutii 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. Suggested uses include shade gardens, woodland borders, ground cover under trees and container planting.. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta kikutii is a clump-forming, mounded perennial valued for broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are frequently variegated or glaucous. It dies back in winter and produces summer flower spikes. Best grown in partial to full shade, it prefers a north or east facing, sheltered position. Plant in fertile loam enriched with organic matter and keep the soil reliably moist but never waterlogged.

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 Asparagaceae native to Japan, Hosta kikutii forms neat mounds of broad, textured leaves—often with variegation or a glaucous (blue-green) cast. The foliage provides seasonal structure while flower spikes appear from June to August. In the UK it carries a fully hardy rating (H7) and also falls within USDA zones 3–9. Choose a north- or east-facing site that receives partial to full shade and is sheltered from strong winds; blue-leaved forms keep their tone best out of direct sun. Provide fertile loam improved with plenty of organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acid soil reaction. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions which suit neither the roots nor the crown. Use Hosta kikutii in shade gardens, woodland borders, as ground cover beneath trees or in containers where soil can be kept cool and damp. Planting among taller perennials that lift their foliage in summer helps the flower spikes show above the clump. Expect the species' summer flowering from June to August, when upright scapes rise clear of the leaves.

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 kikutii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Suggested uses: Shade gardens, woodland borders, ground cover under trees, container planting.
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta kikutii

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 kikutii?

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 kikutii?

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

What soil does Hosta kikutii need?

Hosta kikutii 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 kikutii?

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 kikutii hardy in the UK?

Hosta kikutii 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 kikutii?

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 →