Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' (Plantain Lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' 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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' 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.

About

Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial notable for its broad, ribbed leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It favours partial to full shade and performs best in fertile loam enriched with organic matter kept reliably moist but not waterlogged. Flowers appear in the UK from June to August. Position in a north- or east-facing, sheltered spot to preserve leaf colour.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta sieboldiana

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

A mounded, clump-forming perennial, Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' is grown for its broad, ribbed foliage, which may show variegation or a glaucous (blue-green) bloom. The plant is deciduous and suits shaded positions where leaf texture and colour can be appreciated rather than strong floral display. Flowering in the UK occurs June to August. Plant into fertile loam enriched with well-rotted organic matter and aim for neutral to slightly acid soil pH. The soil should be kept reliably moist but must never be allowed to sit waterlogged; mulching with organic material helps retain moisture and feeds the roots through the season. Sitings on north or east aspects in a sheltered spot reduce sun scorch and encourage blue-leaved forms to keep their best tone. Rated H7 in the UK (fully hardy), Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' will tolerate the colder winters found across the country. Use it to anchor shady borders, beneath light tree canopies or beside paths where its broad, puckered leaves can be inspected at close range; keep it out of bright afternoon sun so the variegation and glaucous bloom remain clear and clean.

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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa'

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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa'?

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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa'?

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

What soil does Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' need?

Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' 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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa'?

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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' hardy in the UK?

Hosta tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa' 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 tokudama 'Aureo-nebulosa'?

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 →