Hosta lancifolia (narrow-leaved plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta lancifolia 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 lancifolia 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. It is native to China.

About

Hosta lancifolia is a clump-forming, mounded perennial distinguished by its narrow, ribbed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and can be variegated or have a glaucous bloom; blue-leaved forms retain their tone best out of strong sun. It favours north- or east-facing, sheltered sites with consistently moist but free-draining soil. Flowering appears from June to August.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta lancifolia

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 lancifolia is a perennial in the Asparagaceae family native to China, grown for its narrow, ribbed leaves and mounded, clump-forming habit. Leaves are deciduous and often variegated or glaucous; growers sometimes choose blue-leaved selections and should site these away from direct sun to preserve their colour. Plants are rated H7 for the UK, meaning they are fully hardy through typical British winters, and correlate to USDA zones 3–9. Plant into a fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter, keeping pH on the neutral to slightly acidic side. The soil should be reliably moist but never waterlogged; mulch helps retain even moisture levels and reduces surface evaporation. Sit Hosta lancifolia in partial to full shade — north- or east-facing aspects in a sheltered spot are ideal to prevent leaf scorch and wind damage. Use this hosta in shaded borders, beneath trees where root competition is moderate, or on the cool side of paths and patios to help define shady beds. Its deciduous, textured leaves form neat mounds that contrast well with broader-leaved companions. Expect the plant to produce its summer flower spikes between June and August.

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 lancifolia size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta lancifolia

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 lancifolia?

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 lancifolia?

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

What soil does Hosta lancifolia need?

Hosta lancifolia 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 lancifolia?

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 lancifolia hardy in the UK?

Hosta lancifolia 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 lancifolia?

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 →