Overview

Hosta 'School Bus' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'School Bus' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.

About

Hosta 'School Bus' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its simple ovate or lanceolate leaves that often display attractive colours or variegation. This deciduous plant thrives in partial to full shade and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil, making it suitable for sheltered locations with east, north, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is well suited for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers. In early summer, it produces erect racemes with nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers.

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 4.0Hosta

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Hosta 'School Bus' 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'School Bus'

Propagation
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be affected by vine weevil
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a virus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'School Bus'?

Hosta 'School Bus' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'School Bus' need?

Hosta 'School Bus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Hosta 'School Bus' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'School Bus' 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 'School Bus'?

Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta