Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora (Japanese fragrant plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora 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 var. grandiflora 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 var. grandiflora is a clump-forming perennial prized for its scented flowers. It forms a mounded habit of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. The flowers are notably fragrant and appear from June to August. Leaves are deciduous and die back after the season.

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 var. grandiflora is a shade-loving perennial originating from China, grown for its scented flower spikes and substantial, textured foliage. The plant makes a neat mound of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous; the foliage dies back in winter as it is deciduous. Flowering takes place from June to August, at which time the blooms are distinguished by their fragrance. Plant in fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter and keep the soil reliably moist but never waterlogged; neutral to slightly acid conditions suit it best. Place where it receives partial to full shade, ideally on a north or east-facing aspect and in a sheltered spot. Blue-leaved selections retain the best colour when kept out of strong sun. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. Use this hosta in shaded borders, woodland-style beds, containers or beside paths where its scent can be appreciated. Mulch to conserve moisture and refresh the top few centimetres of compost or leaf mould every year to maintain fertility and leaf quality.

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 var. grandiflora 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 var. grandiflora

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 var. grandiflora?

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 var. grandiflora?

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

What soil does Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora need?

Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora 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 var. grandiflora?

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 var. grandiflora hardy in the UK?

Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora 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 var. grandiflora?

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 →