Hosta longipes var. latifolia (Hosta)

About

Hosta longipes var. latifolia is a perennial in the genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae) grown principally for its foliage and shade tolerance. Like other hostas it arises from rhizomes and can produce stolon-like offsets. Leaves are of the broad type typical to the genus and the plant sends up flower scapes in summer. Flowering in the UK occurs from June to August.

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 longipes var. latifolia belongs to the genus Hosta within the Asparagaceae and sits among a group of northeast Asian perennials widely cultivated for their leaves. Plants grow from rhizomes and some hostas, including forms of Hosta longipes, may spread by stolons to form larger clumps rather than single upright stems. Position the plant where shade or strong dappled light keeps the leaves protected during the hottest part of the day; the genus is noted for its shade tolerance. Planting and maintenance hinge on that growth habit: allow space for a clump to develop and divide offsets if it spreads by stolons. Because the foliage is the main feature, give thought to placing it where leaves will be visible at close range rather than at the back of a border. In a UK garden Hosta longipes var. latifolia suits shaded or lightly dappled areas such as beneath trees, along shady paths or in mixed shade borders where its broad leaves contrast with finer-textured plants. Expect flower scapes to rise above the foliage in summer, with flowering in the UK from June to August.

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