Hosta

(Plantain Lily Hosta species)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 3 inches to 2 feet
Shape: Spreading

A herbaceous ground cover with summer foliage that is green or variegated. Lily-shaped flowers are white-to-lavender and bloom in summer.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 3 to 9
Light: Full shade to partial shade
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include ground cover.

Planting Notes:

Transplants and divides easily.
Plant in shady location where soil remains slightly moist.

Care:

Requires little maintenance.
Dig and separate plants in early spring to increase coverage or move to other places.

Problems:

Garden slugs and leaf spot are frequently a serious problem, especially in wet years.
In full sun, leaf color is pale and leaf die-back may be more severe, especially during dry periods.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Related species:

HOSTA SIEBOLDIANA (Siebold Plantain Lily) has dull blue-gray leaves; purple flowers bloom in early summer.
HOSTA FORTUNEI (Fortune Plantain Lily) has pale lavender flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
HOSTA UNDULATA (Wavy Leaved Plantain Lily) has variegated green and white wavy leaves.

Comments:

Hostas make effective herbaceous ground covers for partially shaded areas, and are frequently used along edges of walkways.
In winter, Hosta foliage dies back leaving the ground exposed. However, new foliage develops quickly in spring and lasts well into the fall.
Variegated cultivars tend to loose their white color as shade increases.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061 #426-609 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Ground Covers"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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