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

Overview

Hosta longissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata' 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. Suggested uses include shade gardens, woodland borders and container planting.

About

Hosta longissima 'Variegata' is a clump-forming perennial plantain lily prized for its variegated, ribbed foliage. It forms a low mound to about 0.2 m and is deciduous, dying back in winter. Flower scapes rise above the leaves from June to August. Best sited in partial to full shade with consistently moist, enriched soil.

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 genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae), Hosta longissima 'Variegata' is a mounded, clump-forming perennial grown primarily for its foliage. The leaves are ribbed or puckered and typically show variegation; the clump reaches about 0.2 m in height and dies back after the season. Flowering occurs from June to August, when upright scapes appear above the mound. Plant this cultivar in north- or east-facing, sheltered positions where light is dappled rather than direct. It prefers a fertile loam enriched with organic matter, a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged. Partial to full shade suits it best; note that blue-leaved types are known to hold colour better out of sun, so avoid hot, exposed sites. Hardiness is H7 (fully hardy) and corresponds to roughly USDA zones 3–9, so it will survive UK winters in ordinary garden conditions. Use Hosta longissima 'Variegata' at the front of a woodland border, tucked beneath trees on a north or east aspect, or in containers that receive shade; the low, variegated mound gives foliage interest through the growing season while the June–August flower scapes provide short-term vertical contrast.

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 'Variegata' 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
Suggested uses: Shade gardens, woodland borders, container planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta longissima 'Variegata'

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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata'?

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

What soil does Hosta longissima 'Variegata' need?

Hosta longissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata' grow?

Hosta longissima 'Variegata' reaches a height of 0.2 m.

Is Hosta longissima 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

Hosta longissima 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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 →