About
Hosta lancifolia, the narrow-leaved plantain lily, is a compact, herbaceous perennial forming a dense clump of mid to dark-green, lance-shaped, shiny leaves to 10�15 cm long. Narrowly funnel-shaped, purple flowers are borne on leafy, red-spotted stems to 50 cm in height. A reliable and ornamental smaller Hosta for a shaded border or container.
About the genus
Hosta, the plantain lilies, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and erect racemes of nodding, funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Valued primarily for their foliage, they are excellent shade-tolerant border and container plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationRequires a fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in a sheltered position in full to part shade. Intolerant of drought and plants should be mulched annually with well-rotted organic matter to help conserve moisture
PruningRemove old stems and foliage as plants die back for the winter
PropagationDivide plants in late summer or early spring
Pest resistanceSusceptible to damage by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free