Overview
Hosta 'Philadelphia' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Philadelphia' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Hosta 'Philadelphia' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Like other Hostas, it features simple, deciduous leaves that may be ovate or lanceolate, thriving best in partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H7. In early summer, it produces erect racemes with nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers. Suitable for city gardens, patios, and underplanting, it benefits from generous spring mulching and can be propagated by division in late summer or early spring.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hosta 'Philadelphia' 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, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Philadelphia'
- Propagation
- Division in late summer or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Philadelphia'?
Hosta 'Philadelphia' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta 'Philadelphia' need?
Hosta 'Philadelphia' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hosta 'Philadelphia' hardy in the UK?
Hosta 'Philadelphia' 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 'Philadelphia'?
Division in late summer or early spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
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 albomarginataPlantain Lily
