Overview
Hosta undulata var. univittata 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. univittata 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 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 clump-forming perennial from Japan, Hosta undulata var. univittata carries broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or show a glaucous bloom. Plants remain low, reaching roughly 0.3 m, and send up flower stems in June to August. Foliage is deciduous and the leaf surface character—ribbing, puckering or a glaucous sheen—is a key identification feature. Siting should favour partial to full shade; blue-leaved forms retain their best colour out of direct sun. Give it fertile loam enriched with plenty of organic matter, a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains reliably moist without becoming waterlogged. Choose a north- or east-facing, sheltered position to reduce leaf scorch and desiccation. Because it forms a compact, mounded clump, Hosta undulata var. univittata is useful at the front of a shade border, as ground cover beneath shrubs, or to soften pathways in shady areas. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it tolerates winter conditions without protection; expect the leaf variegation or glaucous bloom to be most pronounced in a sheltered north- or east-facing site.
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. univittata 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. univittata
- 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. univittata?
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. univittata?
Hosta undulata var. univittata 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. univittata need?
Hosta undulata var. univittata 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. univittata?
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. univittata grow?
Hosta undulata var. univittata reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Hosta undulata var. univittata hardy in the UK?
Hosta undulata var. univittata 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. univittata?
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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Dust Devil' (_fortunei_) (v)Hosta
- Hosta 'Francee'Hosta
- Hosta 'Honeybells'plantain lily 'Honeybells'
- Hosta 'Kabitan'Plantain Lily
- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'plantain lily 'Krossa Regal'
- Hosta 'Royal Standard'plantain lily 'Royal Standard'
- Hosta albomarginataPlantain Lily
