Hosta rectifolia (straight-leaved plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta rectifolia 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. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Hosta rectifolia 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. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta rectifolia is a clump-forming, mounded perennial grown for its straight, broad, ribbed leaves and compact habit to about 0.6 m. The deciduous foliage is often variegated or glaucous and may appear puckered. It prefers north- or east-facing, sheltered sites in partial to full shade and tolerates reliably moist, well-drained soil. Plants flower from June to August.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldii

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

Native to Japan, Hosta rectifolia is a compact, clump-forming perennial in the Asparagaceae that reaches roughly 0.6 m. It is selected and grown principally for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or take on a glaucous, blue-green bloom; flowering stems appear between June and August. Position plants in north- or east-facing spots where they receive partial to full shade and are sheltered from strong winds. Use a fertile loam enriched with organic matter and aim for neutral to slightly acid soil pH; the rootzone should remain reliably moist but never waterlogged. In UK hardiness terms Hosta rectifolia is H7, fully hardy, and it also aligns with USDA zones 3–9, so it endures cold winters provided roots are not waterlogged. Its 0.6 m mounded habit suits shaded borders, beds and underplanting in sheltered corners where soil moisture can be maintained. Choose a place with dappled light if you want to preserve blue-toned leaves, as blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of direct sun.

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 rectifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 0.6 m
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta rectifolia

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 rectifolia?

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 rectifolia?

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

What soil does Hosta rectifolia need?

Hosta rectifolia 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 rectifolia?

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.

How big does Hosta rectifolia grow?

Hosta rectifolia reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Hosta rectifolia hardy in the UK?

Hosta rectifolia 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 rectifolia?

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 →