August Lily Hosta plantaginea
ABOUT
Hosta plantaginea, commonly known as the August lily, is an ornamental plant that presents a lush mound of foliage, with leaves that are broad, heart-shaped, and glossy. These luxurious leaves commonly display a vibrant, deep green color. Throughout the late summer, the August lily produces striking flowers that are notably different from other hostas. The blooms are pure white, trumpet-shaped, and exceptionally fragrant, which is quite unusual for hostas. These blooms appear on stems that rise above the foliage, creating an eye-catching display in the garden. The August lily's fragrant flowers are especially appealing to gardeners who enjoy night-blooming plants, as their scent is most prominent in the evening hours.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
August Lily, Fragrant Plantain Lily, Fragrant Hosta
Common names
Hosta japonica, Hosta plantaginea var. japonica, Hemerocallis plantaginea, Funkia plantaginea, Aletris japonica, Hosta lancifolia, Funkia subcordata.
ToxicityTo humans
Hosta, which is Hosta plantaginea, is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Most people can handle and ingest Hosta without experiencing toxic effects. However, as with any plant, some individuals could have a mild allergic reaction or sensitivity, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort or skin irritation.
To pets
Hosta is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If pets consume any part of the plant, they might experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or depression. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious effects, but such extreme reactions are relatively rare. Pet owners should keep Hostas out of reach and contact a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has ingested the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hosta plantaginea is known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shady gardens where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bold foliage and attractive flowers, Hosta plantaginea adds beauty and texture to garden landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering under normal conditions.
- Soil Versatility: Hosta plantaginea can grow in a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline.
- Pest Resistance: While not immune, it is relatively resistant to pests compared to other garden plants.
- Ground Cover: Due to its dense foliage, it can be used as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers visual interest from spring through fall with its changing foliage and blooms.
- Variety: Available in many cultivars, it provides a vast range of sizes, colors, and leaf patterns for the garden enthusiast.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hosta plantaginea, commonly known as the August Lily, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics. The leaves produce varying shades of green depending on the mordant used.
- August Lily leaves can serve as a mulch or additive to compost due to their high nutrient content, decomposing well and enriching the soil.
- The sap of August Lily can be used as a mild adhesive in certain craft projects, much like how you might use mod podge.
- August Lily leaves can be used in floral arrangements as a backdrop to provide fullness and greenery, balancing the colors of flowers.
- The plant can act as a ground cover in shady areas where grass struggles to grow, providing a lush, low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns.
- August Lily can be used in sensory gardens for its textured leaves and highly fragrant flowers, which can be pleasing to both touch and smell.
- The robust leaves of the August Lily can be creatively used as natural canvases for eco-printing, where leaves and flowers are used to make imprints on paper or fabric.
- The plant can be grown in containers to decorate patios, balconies, or terraces, fulfilling both aesthetic and functional uses in urban settings where ground space is limited.
- August Lily can be utilized in permaculture designs as a perennial plant that requires minimal maintenance and maximizes ecological benefits.
- Its large leaves can be used for making leaf mold, a type of compost that is particularly good for improving soil structure and moisture retention.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion - Hosta plantaginea, commonly known as August Lily, has been associated with devotion due to its lush foliage and the way it returns faithfully every year.
- Friendship - The August Lily is considered a symbol of friendship, possibly because of its hardy nature and how it can be easily divided and shared with friends.
- Longevity - With their ability to grow for many years in the same spot, these plants are often seen as a representation of a long life.
- Heartfelt Emotions - The heart-shaped leaves of the August Lily are sometimes connected with the expression of deep or heartfelt emotions.
WaterHosta plantaginea, commonly known as August Lily, should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water per plant; this is especially important during the growing season from spring to fall. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. In periods of drought or extreme heat, additional water may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightAugust Lily thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for garden spots that receive morning sunlight with afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it can burn the leaves and diminish the plant's health.
TemperatureAugust Lily prefers a temperature range between 50 to 75°F, with a minimum survival temperature around 40°F and ideally should not be exposed to temperatures over 90°F for prolonged periods. They are cold hardy down to USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and can tolerate winter lows down to -40°F.
PruningAugust Lily should be pruned to remove spent flowers and damaged or yellowing leaves, which encourages healthy growth and improves air circulation around the plant. Pruning is best done in the spring or immediately after flowering. If needed, divide and transplant Hostas every three to five years to maintain vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAugust Lily thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of coarse sand or perlite provides an ideal growing medium for this plant, ensuring adequate drainage and fertility for optimal growth and bloom production.
RepottingAugust Lily should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the early spring before new growth begins, allowing the plant to establish itself in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingAugust Lily prefers a humidity level around 40%-60% for optimal growth. It's a versatile plant that adapts well to the humidity levels typically found in a garden setting and does not have high humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
August Lily prefers bright, indirect light and even moisture when grown indoors.
Outdoor
Plant August Lily in shade to part-shade and water regularly outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta plantaginea, commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil during spring. Young seedlings emerge and develop into a rosette of leaves, relying on stored energy reserves. As the plant matures, it establishes a clumping habit with a robust root system. Throughout the growing season, it produces lush foliage and in late summer, sends up tall spikes bearing fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can disperse and germinate to create new plants. With the onset of autumn, foliage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy for the winter, relying on its rhizomatous roots to store energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
Hosta plantaginea, commonly known as Fragrant Plantain Lily, is typically propagated in the late summer to early fall, just after it has finished flowering or as the plant begins to go dormant. The most popular method of propagation is through division, which involves splitting the mature plant into smaller sections. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire Hosta, then gently tease apart or cut through the root ball to separate it into smaller clumps, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, ensuring they are spaced appropriately to allow for future growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to establish them and maintain even moisture until the roots are well established.
