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

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

Hosta undulata var. univittata is a clump-forming perennial with broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or glaucous. It forms a low mound to about 0.3 m and produces flowers in June to August. Plant in partial to full shade on fertile loam enriched with organic matter, on a north- or east-facing, sheltered site with reliably moist but never waterlogged soil. Fully hardy (H7), it is suited to borders, shade gardens and as ground cover.

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 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.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →