Hosta is a genus of hardy perennials that like to grow in shady areas of the garden. Plants reach heights ranging from 8 to 90 cm (3 to 36 inches).
They have beautiful leaves ranging in color through blue to green; these are often varigated or striped with creams and purples. Hosta have bell-like flowers often of pink, white, and bluey purple.
Plantain lily cv. Veronica Lake leaves
Hosta flower in the summer months and common names include the Plantain lily, Day Lily, and Funkia.
Hosta flowers
Hosta plantaginea (Fragrant plantain lily / August lily), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Hosta undulata (NB. now deemed a cultivar, previously listed as a species), picture by Babij; CC.
Plantain Lily can be grown from either seeds or roots. These can be sown/buried in either spring or summer.
Simply cover the seeds with topsoil, or bury roots at about 10 cm (4 inches).
They like to grow in a shaded area of the garden that has a moist slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.
You can start Plantain lilies off indoors, but it is fairly hit and miss. They take from two weeks to three months to germinate at 10 degrees centigrade (50°F).
Once growing, transplant out at the beginning of spring with a spacing of 45 cm (18 inches; small Hosta varieties) or 90 to 120 cm (36-48 inches; larger species).
Photograph of Purple Glory Plantain lily flowers
Once growing Plantain lilies should be watered frequently and fertilized a couple of times a year.
If you require more Hosta plants then this can be done by division in at the beginning of spring or in the autumn. It is important not to do this too frequently
Always grow for at least a further two years in between the dividing of Hosta plants.
The Hosta genus, known commonly as hostas or plantain lilies, includes about 70 species. They are often grown for their attractive foliage.
Absolutely! Hosta are excellent in shady gardens due to their lush foliage and are available in a variety of sizes and colors.
The Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans', with its blue-grey, heart-shaped leaves, is a favorite among gardeners. Hosta 'Halcyon' and Hosta 'Patriot' are also popular choices.
Some Hosta species, like Hosta plantaginea known as the August Lily, are indeed fragrant.
Hosta plants thrive in part to full shade and prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
Currently, Hosta is not considered invasive in the USA.
To remove Hosta, carefully dig up the clump of roots and separate individual plants by hand.
The Hosta genus belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It includes perennials, which are renowned for their attractive foliage. Native to northeast Asia, these shade-loving plants are commonly used in landscaping and as ground cover.
Hosta plants thrive in partial to full shade, with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The plants require regular watering, but can tolerate periods of dryness once established. Propagation is typically done through division in the spring or fall.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hosta plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asparagus family Growing Guides: How to Grow Aspidistra elatior; Agave americana; Plume asparagus; and Veltheimia plants.