Hosta rectifolia
straight-leaved plantain lily
A herbaceous perennial of clump-forming, semi-upright habit. Leaves are ovate, shiny, mid-green with a wavy edge. Slightly bell-shaped, tubular flowers, of mid to bright-purple, are held on stems to 1m tall in late summer
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/MAR0030478_9792.jpg)
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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, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in part shade with shelter from cold, dry winds. See hosta cultivation
Propagation
Propagation is by division in early spring. Seed-raised offspring of species and particularly cultivars will be variable
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove spent foliage as required and clear up dead foliage when it dies back at the end of the growing season
Pests
Slugs and snails are the main problem, but vine weevils, voles, mice and deer can also be problematic
Diseases
Problems with a virus are becoming more common
Get involved
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