About
Hosta longissima is a herbaceous perennial Hosta forming a medium to large mound of broadly ovate, dark-green foliage. Bell-shaped, lilac-purple flowers appear on tall stems in midsummer. A reliable and ornamental Hosta for a shaded or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Hosta, the plantain lilies, are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and erect racemes of nodding, funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer. Valued primarily for their foliage, they are excellent shade-tolerant border and container plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in part shade with shelter from cold, dry winds. See hosta cultivation
PruningRemove spent foliage as required and clear up dead foliage when it dies back at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by division in late summer or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be affected by vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus