Hosta montana (mountain plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta montana 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 1.0 m tall. Hosta montana 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 montana is a clump-forming, mounded perennial valued for broad, ribbed or puckered foliage that is often variegated or glaucous. It reaches around 1.0 m in height and dies back each winter. Planting in partial to full shade on fertile loam enriched with organic matter keeps leaves in good condition. Flowers appear from June to August.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldiana

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 montana is a perennial in the Asparagaceae native to Japan, grown principally for its substantial, textured leaves rather than for showy blooms. The plant forms a mounded clump to about 1.0 m and is deciduous, with foliage that may be variegated or have a glaucous bloom. Position the plant in partial to full shade; blue-leaved forms keep their colour best out of direct sun. Choose a north- or east-facing aspect in a sheltered spot and plant into fertile loam enriched with organic matter. Soil should remain reliably moist but must never be waterlogged, and a neutral to slightly acid pH suits it. Hosta montana is fully hardy (H7) in UK terms and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it tolerates severe winters when given shelter from drying winds. Use Hosta montana where its foliage can be seen at close range: shady borders, beds that receive morning light, or sheltered planting adjacent to paths. Its mounded habit gives a solid summer presence, and the seasonal flowers appear June to August, rising above the leaves.

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 montana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta montana

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 montana?

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 montana?

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

What soil does Hosta montana need?

Hosta montana 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 montana?

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 montana grow?

Hosta montana reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Hosta montana hardy in the UK?

Hosta montana 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 montana?

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 →