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

Overview

Hosta tokudama 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata' 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 tokudama 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial hosta notable for broad, ribbed leaves with variegation. It is deciduous and produces flower scapes in June to August. Best grown in partial to full shade on fertile, humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains freely. Fully hardy in the UK (H7) and native to Japan.

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 variegated form of Hosta from Japan, Hosta tokudama 'Variegata' forms a neat, mounded clump of broad, puckered leaves that remain the main garden interest. Flowering occurs between June and August on upright scapes, but the foliage provides the season-long presence most gardeners prize. Plant into fertile loam enriched with organic matter, keeping soil reliably moist but avoiding waterlogging; neutral to slightly acid conditions suit it best. Position the plant in partial to full shade — north- or east-facing aspects are preferable — and choose a sheltered spot to protect leaves from drying winds. While some blue-leaved hostas retain their blue tone better out of direct sun, variegated forms will perform well in shaded locations where leaf contrast is clearest. Hardiness is H7 in the UK (roughly USDA zones 3–9), so it withstands cold winters without protection. Use 'Variegata' where foliage contrast is needed: at the front of a shaded border, beneath deciduous trees where light is filtered, or grouped along a north-facing path. Plant as a single specimen to show its leaf pattern or combine with other shade perennials that prefer moist, humus-rich soil. Expect the clump of variegated leaves to remain the principal seasonal feature once established.

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 'Variegata' 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 tokudama 'Variegata'

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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata'?

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

What soil does Hosta tokudama 'Variegata' need?

Hosta tokudama 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

Hosta tokudama 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?

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 →