Hosta plantaginea (fragrant plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta plantaginea 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. Hosta plantaginea 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, woodland garden, borders and containers. It is native to China.

About

Hosta plantaginea is a clump-forming perennial notable for its scented flowers. It carries broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are deciduous and often variegated or glaucous. Flowering occurs in June to August and the blooms are fragrant. Plant it in partial to full shade on fertile loam kept reliably moist, in a north- or east-facing, sheltered spot.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta plantaginea

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 plantaginea belongs to the genus Hosta in the family Asparagaceae and is native to China. It forms a mounded clump of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves, which may show variegation or a glaucous (bluish) bloom on the surface. The species is a perennial grown for both its foliage and its scented flowers that appear in June to August. Grow it in partial to full shade on fertile loam enriched with organic matter, keeping soil reliably moist but never waterlogged and favouring a neutral to slightly acid pH. Sitings on north or east aspects in a sheltered position suit it best; blue-leaved forms hold their colour better out of direct sun. It is rated H7 for the UK—fully hardy—and is also listed for USDA zones 3–9, so it tolerates a wide range of winter conditions where drainage and shelter are suitable. Use Hosta plantaginea in shade and woodland gardens, mixed borders or containers where moisture can be maintained. Because its flowers are scented, position plants where the June to August blooms can be appreciated from a path or nearby seat.

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 plantaginea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Suggested uses: Shade garden, woodland garden, borders, containers
Native to: China
Fragrance: Flower

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta plantaginea

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 plantaginea?

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 plantaginea?

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

What soil does Hosta plantaginea need?

Hosta plantaginea 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 plantaginea?

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.

Is Hosta plantaginea hardy in the UK?

Hosta plantaginea 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 plantaginea?

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 →