Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' (Frances Williams Hosta) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' 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 1.0 m tall. Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' 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, ground cover, borders and container planting. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial with broad, ribbed foliage that is often variegated or glaucous. It typically reaches about 1.0 m and flowers in June to August. Plants prefer partial to full shade on a north- or east-facing aspect and a sheltered site. Give a fertile loam enriched with organic matter and reliably moist, free-draining conditions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldiana

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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' belongs to the genus Hosta (family Asparagaceae) and originates from Japan. It forms a mounded clump of broad, ribbed leaves that can be variegated or glaucous; the clump grows to about 1.0 m and bears flowers in June to August. As a perennial it dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring. Place it in partial to full shade, ideally on a north- or east-facing aspect and in a sheltered spot where wind will not strip leaves. Work plenty of organic matter into a fertile loam and aim for soil that is neutral to slightly acid; the soil should stay reliably moist but never become waterlogged. Blue-leaved forms of hosta retain their tone best out of direct sun, so avoid bright southern exposures if leaf colour is important. This cultivar suits a variety of shaded situations: use it as a specimen in a shaded border, grouped for ground cover under trees, or in large containers where moisture can be maintained. It is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7) and also covers USDA zones 3–9. Position the plant where its broad, puckered leaves can form a clear dome—those leaves provide the principal seasonal interest once flowering has finished.

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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Shade garden, ground cover, borders, container planting
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'

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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'?

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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'?

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

What soil does Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' need?

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' 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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'?

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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' grow?

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' hardy in the UK?

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' 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 sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'?

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 →