Plantain Lily Hosta fortunei var. hyacinthina
ABOUT
Hosta, commonly referred to as plantain lily, is a perennial favorite known for its lush foliage. The particular variety, Hosta fortunei var. hyacinthina, is appreciated for its decorative leaves and hardy nature. It possesses broad, heart-shaped leaves which often have a deep green color but may also exhibit variegated patterns including shades of yellow or white along the margins. It is characterized by a dense clump of foliage that emerges from the ground in a graceful mound. During the blooming season, the hosta sends up tall spikes that bear bell-shaped flowers, ranging in color from lavender to white. These flowers are especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant typically thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it a perfect underplanting beneath the canopies of larger trees or in woodland garden settings. The hosta plant exhibits a robust, clumping habit and adds a touch of lushness wherever planted, with its beautiful foliage persisting throughout the growing season until frost.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Fortune's Plantain Lily, Hyacinthine Plantain Lily
Common names
Hosta ventricosa, Funkia subcordata, Funkia ovata, Hosta plantaginea var. japonica, Hosta japonica, Funkia fortunei, Funkia ovata var. grandiflora, Funkia subcordata var. grandiflora, Hosta grandiflora, Hosta hyacinthina, Hosta kikutii, Hosta plantaginea var. grandiflora, Hosta subcordata.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Symptoms of hosta poisoning are typically mild and can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms result from the saponins present in the plant, which can irritate the gastrointestinal system. In most cases, the consumption of hostas by humans is unlikely to result in severe consequences, but care should be taken to prevent children from eating any parts of the plant.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of a hosta plant, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The primary toxic components are saponins, which cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. In more severe cases, the consumption of hostas can lead to more serious complications, and veterinary attention should be sought if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a hosta plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhanced Landscape Aesthetics: Hosta fortunei var. hyacinthina, commonly known as Hosta, adds lush foliage and texture to garden landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives well in shaded areas, making it an ideal choice for spots where other plants might struggle to grow due to lack of sunlight.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hostas are fairly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and care.
- Easy Propagation: Hostas can be easily divided and propagated to create new plants, allowing gardeners to expand their garden without additional costs.
- Pest Resistance: Hostas are generally resistant to pests, which means they require fewer pesticides and maintenance.
- Seasonal Interest: With its attractive foliage and flowers, Hosta provides visual interest from spring to fall.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors: Hostas come in a variety of sizes and leaf colors, offering numerous options for garden design and personal preference.
- Soil Versatility: They are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, though they prefer moist, well-drained soils.
- Low Maintenance: Hostas require little maintenance, making them a suitable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
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 leaves can be used for eco-printing, a process where leaves are pressed onto paper or fabric to leave a natural print, creating unique patterns for art or textile design.
- The large leaves of hostas can be used as natural "wraps" for outdoor cooking, imparting a subtle, earthy flavor to grilled or baked foods.
- Hosta plants provide dense ground cover in shaded gardens, which can help to reduce soil erosion in sloped areas.
- Some people use hosta leaves as a natural "mulch" for their garden beds, laying them around plants to help retain soil moisture.
- Hosta flower stalks can be used in floral arrangements for their attractive and sometimes fragrant blooms.
- In a wildlife garden, hostas can be a food source for deer and rabbits, which may be considered in creating a balanced ecosystem.
- The thick foliage of hostas can be used to create a living border or edge along paths and walkways in gardens.
- Create a tranquil and zen-like atmosphere by planting hostas around backyard ponds or water features where they thrive in moist conditions.
- Hosta leaves can be a useful "indicator" plant in gardens to show the first signs of slug and snail presence, which helps gardeners to manage pests early.
- Due to their broad leaves, hostas can help to suppress weed growth when planted densely, reducing the need for frequent weeding.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHostas are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand and adapt to challenges.
- Endurance: With their perennial nature, returning year after year, Hostas embody the idea of lasting through difficult times.
- Devotion: The way Hostas can fill a garden space and keep coming back can be seen as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and dedication.
WaterHostas should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant each time. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. It's important to water the hosta at the base to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly, but do not let the soil completely dry out.
LightThe plant commonly known as Hosta requires dappled shade or partial sun to thrive; it should not be placed in full sun as intense light can scorch the leaves. The ideal spot for a Hosta is under the canopy of trees where it can receive bright but indirect sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade is the optimal lighting condition for this plant.
TemperatureHostas, including the common Hosta, grow best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may be inhibited outside their ideal range. To ensure vigorous growth, avoid placing Hostas in areas where temperatures frequently exceed their maximum tolerance.
PruningPrune your Hosta by removing dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. In late fall, after the first frost, cut back the foliage to ground level to prepare the Hosta for winter and reduce the risk of disease. Early spring is also a good time to remove any remaining dead foliage from the previous year to make way for new growth.
SoilHostas thrive best in a well-draining soil mixture with high organic content. A good recipe for Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, is to blend equal parts of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPlantain Lilies generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 5 years. It is best done in early spring before the leaves fully unfurl when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or when the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer moderate levels of humidity and will thrive in typical garden environments where the humidity is not excessively dry. They do well in the average humidity found outdoors in their growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Plantain Lily in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in shaded area with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta fortunei var. hyacinthina, commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in soil and given adequate moisture and temperature, will germinate. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic heart-shaped leaves, and as it matures, the plant forms a clump with multiple leaves. Hostas are perennials, and they enter a period of dormancy during the cold winter months, retracting energy into the rhizome, and then regrow in spring from the same rootstock. During its active growth phase in spring and summer, the Hosta produces a flower scape that can tower above the foliage, bearing funnel-shaped flowers, typically in shades of lavender or white. After flowering, the plant may produce seed pods, which can be harvested for propagation or left to self-seed in the garden. The plant will repeat this growth, flowering, and dormancy cycle yearly, with clump size generally increasing each season, unless divided for propagation or to control size.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hosta, commonly known as plantain lily, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular and effective method for this perennial plant. The best time to carry out division is in the early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire hosta clump, ensuring as much of the root system as possible is intact. The clump should then be divided into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing at, spacing them at least a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help them establish, and ensure they are kept moist as they acclimate to their new location. With this method, hostas can multiply efficiently, maintaining the health and vigour of the garden display.
