Overview
Hosta nakaiana is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta nakaiana grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Hosta nakaiana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its deciduous, simple leaves that may be ovate or lanceolate. This cultivar thrives in full or partial shade and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil, with shelter from cold, drying winds. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and suitable for a variety of garden settings including city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers. In early summer, it produces erect racemes with nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers, adding seasonal interest from spring through summer.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hosta
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hosta nakaiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta nakaiana
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be affected by vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hosta nakaiana?
Hosta nakaiana prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta nakaiana need?
Hosta nakaiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hosta nakaiana hardy in the UK?
Hosta nakaiana 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 nakaiana?
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Dust Devil' (_fortunei_) (v)Hosta

- Hosta 'Francee'Hosta

- Hosta 'Honeybells'plantain lily 'Honeybells'

- Hosta 'Kabitan'Plantain Lily

- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'plantain lily 'Krossa Regal'

- Hosta 'Royal Standard'plantain lily 'Royal Standard'

- Hosta 'Alligator Shoes' (v)plantain lily 'Alligator Shoes'