Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' 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 'Viridis Marginata' 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 southern Russian Far East and Japan.

About

Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial hosta with broad, ribbed leaves that are frequently variegated. The foliage is deciduous and the plant produces flowering scapes in June to August. It prefers partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing, sheltered site with fertile loam enriched with organic matter. Fully hardy (H7) in the UK when planted in a reliably moist but free-draining position.

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

A member of the Asparagaceae, Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' originates from East Asia and the southern Russian Far East and has long been grown for its textured, often variegated leaves. The cultivar forms a neat, mounded clump of ribbed foliage that dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring. Plant into fertile loam improved with organic matter and aim for neutral to slightly acidic pH. Position on a north- or east-facing aspect where conditions are sheltered and light levels are partial to full shade; avoid exposure to strong sun. Keep soil reliably moist but never waterlogged. The plant is fully hardy in UK conditions (H7) and also corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Use this hosta in shady borders, woodland-style beds or beside paths where leaf texture and variegation can be appreciated close to eye level. Provide a mulch of composted organic matter to conserve moisture and refresh surface nutrients. Flowering scapes rise above the leaves from June to August, adding vertical interest through the summer months.

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 'Viridis Marginata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Native to: southern Russian Far East, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata'

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 'Viridis Marginata'?

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 'Viridis Marginata'?

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

What soil does Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' need?

Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' 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 'Viridis Marginata'?

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 'Viridis Marginata' hardy in the UK?

Hosta lancifolia 'Viridis Marginata' 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 'Viridis Marginata'?

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 →