Overview

Hosta 'Lady Helen' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Lady Helen' 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 'Lady Helen' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its deciduous, simple leaves that may be ovate or lanceolate. This cultivar thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil and prefers partial or full shade with shelter from cold, drying winds. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and suits east-, north-, or west-facing aspects. Ideal for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers, it produces nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers on erect racemes in early summer.

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 4.0Hosta

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 'Lady Helen' 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 'Lady Helen'

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 'Lady Helen'?

Hosta 'Lady Helen' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Lady Helen' need?

Hosta 'Lady Helen' 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 'Lady Helen' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Lady Helen' 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 'Lady Helen'?

Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta