About
Hosta are clump-forming, herbaceous perennials with bold, often richly veined or variegated, ovate to lance-shaped leaves and erect racemes of nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped, often fragrant flowers in early summer. Among the most popular and versatile of all shade-tolerant perennials for borders and containers.
About the genus
Hosta, the plantain lilies, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and erect racemes of nodding, funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Valued primarily for their foliage, they are excellent shade-tolerant border and container plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in part shade with shelter from cold, dry winds. See hosta cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in late summer or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus