About

Hosta rectifolia, the straight-leaved plantain lily, is a clump-forming, semi-upright Hosta with ovate, shiny, mid-green, wavy-edged leaves. Slightly bell-shaped, tubular, mid- to bright-purple flowers are held on stems to 1 m in late summer. A striking and architectural Hosta for a 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.

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