Plantain Lily Hosta 'Aureomarginata' (ventricosa) (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as a type of Hosta, has a distinctive appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens. The leaves are the most notable feature, being large and heart-shaped with a unique coloration. The base color of the leaves is a deep, lush green, which serves as a backdrop for the striking yellow to golden margins that outline each leaf, giving the plant its variegated look. These margins may even appear creamy white in some conditions, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The leaves themselves have a slightly puckered texture, which adds depth and richness to the foliage display. Beyond the foliage, this Hosta produces tall stalks that bear bell-shaped flowers. Typically appearing in mid to late summer, these flowers are a deep purplish or lavender color, and they add an additional layer of height and color to the plant. The contrast between the green and gold leaves and the purple flowers can be quite dramatic, making it a standout in any garden setting. The overall form of the Hosta 'Aureomarginata' is mounded, with the leaves cascading around the center of the plant, creating a lush, full appearance. Its striking appearance and foliage, along with the distinctive flower stalks, make this Hosta an attractive choice for both ground cover and as a feature in shaded garden areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, August Lily, Variegated Hosta
Common names
Hosta ventricosa 'Aureomarginata', Funkia ventricosa 'Aureomarginata'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, they may cause mild stomach upset. It is not common for humans to suffer severe poisoning from eating parts of plantain lilies, but it is always recommended to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants. In case of accidental ingestion, it may be prudent to consult a medical professional, especially if symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occur.
To pets
Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The main toxic principle is saponins, which can cause irritation to the stomach and intestinal lining. It is important to prevent pets from consuming plantain lilies and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected or symptoms are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
4 feet (122 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hosta 'Aureomarginata' adds a lush, ornamental look to gardens with its broad, variegated leaves that have golden margins and rich green centers.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety thrives in shade, making it an excellent choice for areas where other sun-loving plants may struggle.
- Low Maintenance: Hostas are known for being relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Ground Cover: The dense foliage of the Hosta 'Aureomarginata' can serve as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas provide visual interest from spring to fall, with leaves that maintain their color throughout the growing season and optional bloom spikes in the summer.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, hostas can tolerate periods of drought, although they prefer moist conditions.
- Cold Hardy: The Hosta 'Aureomarginata' is cold-hardy, making it suitable for growing in regions with cold winters.
- Varied Uses: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to woodland gardens, containers, or as specimen plants.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Hosta 'Aureomarginata' can attract pollinators such as bees, adding biodiversity to a garden setting.
- Divisible: Hostas can be easily divided to create more plants, allowing gardeners to expand their gardens or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas can be used as a food source in some cultures; young hosta shoots, known as Hosta montana, are enjoyed in salads or as a cooked vegetable similar to asparagus in Japan.
- They are often used in floral arrangements; the large, lush leaves of Hostas bring a vibrant green and texture to bouquets and indoor displays.
- Hostas make excellent ground cover plants; their dense foliage spreads across the soil, preventing weed growth and providing a consistent and attractive bedding in gardens.
- They are utilized in container gardening; due to their adaptability, Hostas can thrive in pots and other containers, making them suitable for balconies and patios.
- Hostas leaves can be used for leaf casting; gardeners can create decorative concrete casts of the intricate leaf veins, which serve as unique garden ornaments or stepping stones.
- They can act as a natural dye; the green and yellow pigments of the Hosta leaves can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics or yarn.
- The plant can also be employed as an educational tool; children can learn about plant growth, shade tolerance, and horticulture by observing and caring for Hosta plants in gardens or classrooms.
- Hostas are used in landscape design to create texture contrast; their broad leaves differ from needle-like or narrow-leafed plants, providing visual interest in garden compositions.
- They are often planted to prevent soil erosion; Hostas can help to anchor soil on slopes and in areas where erosion might be a problem.
- Hosta leaves serve as a creative canvas for art projects; the leaves can be painted on or used as natural stencils for botanical prints.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas in general are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
- Devotion: The way Hostas can grow and expand over time, often staying in the same spot for years, can represent devotion and long-lasting presence.
- Forgiveness: As Hostas can recover from damage, such as being walked on, and still flourish, they can symbolize the idea of forgiveness and bouncing back from adversity.
- Growth: Their easy and vigorous growth habit may symbolize personal growth, whether it is emotional, spiritual, or intellectual.
- Abundance: The full, lush foliage of a Hosta can represent abundance and prosperity.
WaterThe Hosta 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as gold-edged hosta, prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it thoroughly. During the growing season, water the hosta about once a week with one to one and a half gallons of water per plant, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. It is essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, and instead focus on watering the soil around the plant base. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the watering frequency to maintain soil moisture. In the fall, as the plant prepares for dormancy, reduce watering to help harden off the plant for winter.
LightGold-edged hosta thrives in partial to full shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives morning sunlight with dappled or full shade in the afternoon. Avoid exposing the hosta to harsh afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves and lead to fading of the variegation.
TemperatureGold-edged hostas perform best in a temperature range of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These hostas can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. The ideal conditions are cool summers where the temperature does not often exceed the upper limit of their comfortable range.
PruningPruning gold-edged hostas involves removing any yellowed or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance. After the first frost, cut back the foliage to ground level to tidy up the plant and help prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Pruning is typically done annually, and the best time for this task is in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta 'Aureomarginata' is well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Amend garden soil with compost and peat moss to improve structure and fertility.
RepottingHostas, including 'Aureomarginata', usually require repotting every 3-5 years or when they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Aureomarginata' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the average humidity found in most garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit room, avoid direct sun, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as Gold-Edged Hosta, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring, given moist soil and cool temperatures. The seedling then develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the hosta matures, its distinctive foliage with wide, variegated leaves with golden edges emerge, and the plant forms a clump that increases in size each year. During the summer months, the mature plant produces tall stalks topped with bell-shaped purple flowers, which can attract bees and other pollinators. After flowering, seed pods may develop, and once they dry, they open to release seeds for reproduction. In fall, the hosta's foliage dies back with the onset of cold weather, and the plant enters a period of dormancy over winter, resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Hosta 'Aureomarginata', commonly known as Variegated Hosta, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide and propagate this plant is in the early spring or late summer, when the soil is moist and the plants are not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring not to damage the root system. Once the plant is out of the ground, gently pull apart the clumps, or use a sharp knife to slice through the roots if they are too dense. Each division should have at least two to three shoots and a portion of the root system. After dividing, replant each section at the same depth it was growing at before and water thoroughly. This method allows the divisions to establish and grow into a sizeable plant more quickly than other forms of propagation.
