Hosta 'Purple Heart' (Plantain lily 'Purple Heart') — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Purple Heart' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hosta 'Purple Heart' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Hosta 'Purple Heart' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, commonly known as plantain lilies. This deciduous plant grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full or partial shade, favouring north, east, or west-facing aspects in sheltered locations. Suitable for clay or loam soils that are moist but well-drained or well-drained, it is most notable during spring and 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: Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta 'Purple Heart' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Purple Heart'

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 'Purple Heart'?

Hosta 'Purple Heart' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Purple Heart' need?

Hosta 'Purple Heart' grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.