Hosta undulata var. erromena (midsummer plantain lily) — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta undulata var. erromena 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 var. erromena 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. It is native to Japan.

About

Hosta undulata var. erromena is a clump-forming, mounded perennial with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It reaches about 0.3 m and dies back to the crown in winter. Flower scapes appear in June to August. Plant in partial to full shade on fertile loam kept reliably moist but not waterlogged.

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

A member of the Asparagaceae from Japan, Hosta undulata var. erromena makes a neat, low mound of broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or show a glaucous bloom. The clump typically reaches around 0.3 m and produces upright flower scapes in the UK between June and August. It is classed H7, meaning it is fully hardy through UK winters and also sits within USDA zones 3–9. Choose a north- or east-facing site with partial to full shade; blue-leaved selections retain their tone best away from strong sun. Soil should be a fertile loam enriched with organic matter, kept reliably moist but never waterlogged, and on the neutral to slightly acid side of pH. A sheltered exposure reduces leaf scorch and helps the crown remain healthy. Use Hosta undulata var. erromena in shaded borders, specialist shade gardens or as a low ground cover beneath taller plants where its 0.3 m mounds form a repeating texture. Give each clump room to expand and mark planting positions clearly, as the leafy mounds are easy to spot once in leaf and will produce their summer scapes annually from June to August.

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 var. erromena 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
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta undulata var. erromena

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 var. erromena?

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 var. erromena?

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

What soil does Hosta undulata var. erromena need?

Hosta undulata var. erromena 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 var. erromena?

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 var. erromena grow?

Hosta undulata var. erromena reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Hosta undulata var. erromena hardy in the UK?

Hosta undulata var. erromena 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 var. erromena?

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 →