Hosta longissima (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta longissima 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. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Hosta longissima 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 Japan.

About

Hosta longissima is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae, grown for its broad, ribbed leaves which are often variegated or glaucous. It forms a low mound to about 0.2 m and is deciduous. Flowering occurs from June to August. It performs best in partial to full shade on north- or east-facing, sheltered sites.

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 longissima is a shade-tolerant Hosta from Japan that forms a compact, mounded clump to roughly 0.2 m. The foliage is the primary feature: broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that can be variegated or carry a glaucous (blue‑grey) bloom; the plant dies back to the ground in winter. Choose a north- or east-facing, sheltered location in partial to full shade. Soil should be a fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter, neutral to slightly acid, and kept reliably moist but never waterlogged. Blue-leaved forms hold their colour best out of direct sun. The UK H7 rating indicates it is fully hardy across the British Isles; it corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. At about 0.2 m tall, Hosta longissima suits the front of a shady border, under deciduous trees with light shade, or beside a shaded path where its textured leaves can be appreciated. Flowers appear from June to August, though the ribbed, sometimes variegated leaves are the main attraction; lift and divide congested clumps in spring to renew the display.

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 longissima size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 0.2 m
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta longissima

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 longissima?

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 longissima?

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

What soil does Hosta longissima need?

Hosta longissima 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 longissima?

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.

How big does Hosta longissima grow?

Hosta longissima reaches a height of 0.2 m.

Is Hosta longissima hardy in the UK?

Hosta longissima 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 longissima?

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 →