Hosta plantaginea
fragrant plantain lily
Forms a large dome-shaped mound, to 60cm high, with mid-green, glossy leaves and white flowers, very fragrant at night and borne on stems to 80cm, from late summer to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Hosta are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and erect racemes of nodding, funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in partial shade or full shade, shelter from cold dry winds. See hosta cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagation by division in late summer or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Remove spent foliage as required and clear up dead foliage when it dies back at the end of the growing season
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.