Hosta 'Swirls Design' (Hosta) — Clump forming

Overview

Hosta 'Swirls Design' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hosta 'Swirls Design' 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 'Swirls Design' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae grown for its deciduous leaves and reliable shade performance. It suits both full shade and partial shade positions and flowers from June to August. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soils across a wide pH range and benefits from a sheltered aspect. Use it in containers, courtyards or informal cottage borders where leafy structure is required.

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 'Swirls Design' sits with other Hostas as a shade-loving, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae. It carries deciduous foliage and produces flowers from June to August. In the UK climate it is fully hardy (H7) and will return each year if given a sheltered spot out of drying winds. Choose a position in full or partial shade, ideally east-, north- or west-facing. The cultivar tolerates a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided they remain moist but well-drained; soil pH may be acid, alkaline or neutral. Plant in a sheltered location to reduce leaf scorch and to suit its preferred exposure. Regular moisture through dry spells keeps the crown healthy. Hosta 'Swirls Design' is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal beds, and patio containers. In containers place the pot where afternoon sun is limited; in borders group with other shade-tolerant perennials to mask winter leaf dieback. Cut back the dead foliage in autumn so crowns are tidy and ready for spring growth.

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 'Swirls Design' 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 'Swirls Design'

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 'Swirls Design'?

Hosta 'Swirls Design' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Swirls Design' need?

Hosta 'Swirls Design' 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.