Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' 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 'Stranger in the Dark' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Hosta, known for its simple ovate or lanceolate leaves and early summer racemes of nodding, funnel- or bell-shaped flowers. This deciduous cultivar thrives in partial to full shade and prefers sheltered locations with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand types across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patios and containers. Propagation is by division in late summer or early spring.

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: 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 'Stranger in the Dark' 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 'Stranger in the Dark'

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 'Stranger in the Dark'?

Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' need?

Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' 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 'Stranger in the Dark' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Stranger in the Dark' 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 'Stranger in the Dark'?

Propagate by division in late summer or early spring.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →