About
Hosta plantaginea, the fragrant plantain lily, forms a large, dome-shaped mound to 60 cm with mid-green, glossy leaves and very fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers on stems to 80 cm from late summer to autumn. The most strongly scented of all hostas and one of the best plants for bringing evening fragrance to a shaded garden.
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.
Plant details
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial or full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Mulch generously in spring. See hosta cultivation
PruningRemove spent flower stems and clear up dead foliage as 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, snails and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases