Hosta undulata (suji-giboshi) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta undulata 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. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Hosta undulata 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. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and ground cover.

About

Hosta undulata is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the Asparagaceae, grown for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It reaches about 0.3 m and dies back in winter. Best sited in north- or east-facing spots with shelter from strong sun and wind. Flowers appear from June to August above the foliage.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta 'Undulata'

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 undulata is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Hosta, notable for broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are commonly variegated or carry a glaucous (blue-tinged) finish. It remains a compact mound, growing to roughly 0.3 m, and produces its flowers between June and August. The foliage is deciduous and dies back after the season. Plant it where light is limited: partial to full shade suits Hosta undulata, and blue-leaved selections retain their tone best when kept out of direct sun. A north or east aspect with some protection from drying winds gives the best leaf colour and prevents scorch. Use a fertile loam improved with plenty of organic matter, keep the soil reliably moist but avoid waterlogging, and select a sheltered spot for winter protection. The hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in UK gardens (equivalent to a wide range of temperate winter conditions and matching USDA zones 3–9). At 0.3 m tall it works well in the front of a shade border, as low ground cover beneath larger shrubs or trees, or to edge a shaded path. Keep planting positions consistently moist and choose an east- or north-facing location to preserve variegation or blue leaf tones through the season.

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 undulata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, shade gardens, ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta undulata

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 undulata?

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 undulata?

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

What soil does Hosta undulata need?

Hosta undulata 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 undulata?

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.

How big does Hosta undulata grow?

Hosta undulata reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Hosta undulata hardy in the UK?

Hosta undulata 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 undulata?

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 →