Hosta
Hosta spp.
Also known as
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Hosta sieboldiana Elegans2UME by Epibase (CC BY 2.5)
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1.2m |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance


More images of Hosta
Hosta Overview
The genus Hosta contains over 70 herbaceous perennial species. It originated in East-Central China and the species plantaginea is still found there in the wild. Now found across temperate climates of the Northern hemisphere, Hosta has been extensively cultivated and many garden specimens are available as a result. Their dense clumps of bold foliage comprise often variegated, oval to heart-shaped leaves that can be any shade from light to dark green, attractive cultivars have been produced with fantastically coloured foliage, sometimes bright yellow or blue-grey. They produce typically funnel or bell-shaped flowers, coloured purple or white most often, these are borne on upright stems, above the leaves, in early summer. Often grown as ground cover in shady places or in containers, some smaller species are suitable for rock gardens. Hostas are particularly prone to slugs and snails.
Common problems with Hosta
Virus infections may be a problem for some species.
Hosta Companion Plants
Ferns
Alchemilla
Alchemilla spp.
Astilbe
Astilbe spp.
Bleeding heart
Dicentra spp.
Bleeding Heart
Lamprocapnos spp.
Barrenwort
Epimedium spp.
Spurge
Euphorbia spp.
Hardy Geranium
Geranium spp.
Lamium
Lamium spp.
Lungwort
Pulmonaria spp.
Foamflower
Tiarella spp.
Allium
Allium spp.
Coral Flower
Heuchera spp.
Daffodil
Narcissus spp.
Grape Hyacinth
Muscari spp.
Fritillary
Fritillaria spp.
Squill
Scilla spp.
Hellebores
Helleborus spp.
Siberian Bugloss 'Jack Frost'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Wild Gingers
Asarum spp.
Toad lily
Tricyrtis spp.
Primrose
Primula spp.
Impatiens
Impatiens spp.
Foxgloves
Digitalis spp.
Camellia
Camellia spp.
Azalea
Azalea spp.
Lily-of-the-valley
Convallaria spp.
True Sedges
Carex spp.
How to propagate Hosta
Seed
Seeds can be collected and sown, but the resulting plants may be very different from the parents. Sow seeds in spring.
Division
Divide clumps every 4 or 5 years in late summer or early spring. Ensure each section has 1 to 3 good buds and trim away damaged roots. Replant at their original depth in the ground with the shoots just poking through the soil. Water and apply a granular feed.
Special features of Hosta
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Ground cover
Other uses of Hosta
Grown for their decorative foliage. Form large clumps that are excellent for ground cover. Attracts humming birds in suitable geographical locations.
Poisonous to Pets
If your pet likes to nibble your plants, check our collection to make sure what they're eating isn't doing them any harm.
Explore all