Hosta tardiflora (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta tardiflora 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. Hosta tardiflora 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 tardiflora is a clump-forming, mounded perennial with broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. The foliage is deciduous and the plant produces summer flowers from June to August. It suits shaded, sheltered sites and performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Blue-leaved selections keep their tone better when grown out of direct sun.

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 tardiflora is a clump-forming perennial from Japan, grown primarily for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves which are frequently variegated or glaucous in tone. The foliage dies back in winter and the plant sends up flower stems in summer; flowering occurs between June and August. It is fully hardy (H7), so it will withstand typical UK winter conditions where soil and exposure are appropriate. Select a north- or east-facing, sheltered position with partial to full shade; blue-leaved forms in particular should be kept out of direct sun to retain their colour. Plant into fertile loam that has been enriched with organic matter and aim to keep the root zone reliably moist but never waterlogged. A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH suits this species. In the garden Hosta tardiflora works well in shaded borders and beds where mounded clumps of foliage are needed for structure and contrast. Place it beside spring-flowering bulbs or beneath taller shrubs that provide light shade; the summer flower stems rise above the leaves and offer a brief architectural accent from June to August.

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 tardiflora size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta tardiflora

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 tardiflora?

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 tardiflora?

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

What soil does Hosta tardiflora need?

Hosta tardiflora 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 tardiflora?

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.

Is Hosta tardiflora hardy in the UK?

Hosta tardiflora 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 tardiflora?

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 →