Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta montana 'Aureo-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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Hosta montana 'Aureo-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. Suggested uses include shade garden, borders and ground cover.

About

Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial plantain lily with broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It is deciduous and typically reaches about 1.0 m. Flowers appear in summer, from June to August. Best grown in partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing site.

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 'Aureo-marginata' sits within the genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae) as a clump-forming perennial with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. Plants die back in winter and produce leafy mounds that reach around 1.0 m at maturity, with flowering occurring between June and August. Place this cultivar in partial to full shade; blue-leaved forms keep their colour better away from strong sun. Choose a north- or east-facing aspect in a sheltered spot and plant into fertile loam enriched with organic matter. The soil should be neutral to slightly acid and kept reliably moist but never waterlogged to avoid stress during the growing season. Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' is rated H7 for UK hardiness (fully hardy) and also sits within USDA zones 3–9. Use it where broad-leaved ground cover or a substantial border presence is required: shade gardens, mixed borders and as ground cover beneath trees or larger shrubs. Expect clumps to build size over seasons, producing summer flowers from June to August while the architectural leaves form the main structural interest in the border.

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 'Aureo-marginata' 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
Suggested uses: Shade garden, Borders, Ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta montana 'Aureo-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 montana 'Aureo-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 montana 'Aureo-marginata'?

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

What soil does Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' need?

Hosta montana 'Aureo-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 montana 'Aureo-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.

How big does Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' grow?

Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Hosta montana 'Aureo-marginata' hardy in the UK?

Hosta montana 'Aureo-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 montana 'Aureo-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 →