Kikutii Plantain Lily Hosta kikutii
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ABOUT
Hosta kikutii, commonly known as Kiku Hosta, has a striking and beautiful appearance. This plant features a lovely cascade of foliage that begins with elongated, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves themselves exhibit a lush green color, with distinct veins running through them. They often have a slightly puckered texture, which adds to their visual interest. As the Kiku Hosta matures, the leaves can develop a bluish-green tint, giving the plant a cool and refreshing look. The foliage forms a neat, mounded shape that elegantly spreads outwards, creating a picturesque display in garden settings. During the flowering period, Kiku Hosta produces delicate flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stalks. The blooms typically have a bell-like shape, and their color can range from white to lavender, adding a subtle hint of color and further ornamental value to the plant. The overall form of Kiku Hosta is graceful and dense, making it an excellent choice for groundcover in shaded areas or as part of a woodland garden. Its appealing foliage and flowers stand out among other plants, offering visual texture and a serene presence in the landscape.
About this plant
Names
Synonyms
Japanese Hosta, Kikutii Plantain Lily.
Common names
Funkia kikutii, Hosta polyneuron, Hosta ventricosa var. kikutii.
Toxicity
To humans
Plantain lily isn't considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of Plantain lily is not expected to cause poisoning or serious consequences.
To pets
Plantain lily is known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of the Plantain lily, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. It's important to avoid letting pets chew on or consume this plant.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Hosta kikutii, commonly known as the plantain lily, features attractive foliage and blossoms that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where many other plants would struggle, making it ideal for filling in dark garden spaces.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
- Ground Cover: Hosta kikutii can serve as an effective ground cover, preventing weed growth and soil erosion in garden beds.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its foliage in spring and summer, and flowers that bloom in late summer to fall.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors: It comes in different sizes and leaf colors, providing numerous design options for landscapers and garden enthusiasts.
- Border Planting: The plantain lily is ideal for use in border plantings, creating defined edges for garden paths and flower beds.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown in containers, which is beneficial for those with limited garden space or for adding greenery to patios and balconies.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As a natural dye: Hosta kikutii leaves can be used to create a subtle green dye for textiles or art projects.
- Leaf printing: The leaves can be coated with paint and used to make impressions on fabric or paper, taking advantage of their veined texture.
- Leaf castings: Create decorative concrete or plaster castings by using Hosta kikutii leaves as molds, capturing their intricate vein patterns.
- Garden art: The large, attractive leaves can be incorporated into garden art or sculptures for their aesthetic shape and texture.
- Erosion control: Hosta kikutii can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with their root system.
- Education: The plant's variety of leaf shapes and sizes can be used as a living tool for teaching about plant morphology and taxonomy.
- Backyard wildlife habitat: The plant provides shelter and dew drops that may attract small garden wildlife such as insects and frogs.
- Photographic subject: Due to its lush foliage and elegant flowers, Hosta kikutii makes for an excellent subject for nature and garden photography.
- Garden design: Can be used as a "living border" to delineate paths, garden sections, or property lines.
- Leaf crafts: Dried leaves can be used in crafting, such as creating bookmarks or incorporating into mixed media artwork.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience – Hosta kikutii is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in shade, symbolizing one's ability to endure and prosper despite challenges.
- Versatility – With its adaptability to various growing conditions, it represents flexibility and the ability to succeed in different environments.
- Growth – Hostas, in general, are often used to symbolize personal growth or development due to their lush foliage and habit of expanding over time.
Water
The Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, prefers consistently moist soil, so it's best to water it deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. Adjust this frequency during periods of extreme heat or drought by providing additional water, perhaps twice a week, but always allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Over-watering can be as harmful as under-watering for Hosta plants. During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant requires much less moisture.
Light
Plantain Lilies thrive in dappled sunlight to partial shade, making them ideal for locations under the canopy of trees or on the north side of buildings where they receive indirect light. Avoid exposing them to the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. They perform best with a few hours of morning sunlight that transitions to shade as the day progresses.
Temperature
Plantain Lilies prosper in a range of temperatures but prefer a climate where the daytime temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the nighttime temperatures do not usually drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer damage if the temperature falls below freezing. An ideal condition for growth is a climate where temperatures remain mild and don't experience extreme heat or cold.
Pruning
Pruning Plantain Lilies is done mainly to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain plant appearance. Cut back the foliage to ground level after the first frost in the fall to prepare the plant for winter. Remove spent flower stalks as soon as they finish blooming to encourage a tidy growth habit and possibly a second flush of flowers.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Plantain Lily thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal, ensuring moisture retention yet good drainage to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Plantain Lilies typically need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil and manage their size. Repot in spring before the growing season or in early fall after the plant has finished blooming.
Humidity & Misting
Plantain Lilies prefer a moderately high humidity environment, ideally between 50 to 70 percent. Consistent moisture in the air without being excessively damp suits them best.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, rich soil, often moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Hosta kikutii, commonly known as Kikutii Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, to produce a small sprout that will develop into a rosette of leaves. As it matures, the rosette forms a dense clump with large decorative leaves that are a main feature of the plant. By late spring to early summer, Hosta kikutii produces tall flower stalks adorned with bell-shaped flowers that are often lavender to purplish, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seed pods that, when mature, release seeds for dispersal and new plant generation. In autumn, the plant's foliage dies back as it enters dormancy, conserving energy in its root system for the next spring. Each year the plant gradually expands in size and leaf volume, and can be propagated through division of the clump, typically in early spring or fall.
Propogation
Propogation time
Late summer to fall
Hosta kikutii, commonly known as Kikutii plantain lily, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this species. The ideal time to propagate by division is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you have a good root system attached. With a sharp knife or a pair of garden shears, you can then divide the plant into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. After division, replant the sections at the same depth they were originally growing and water them thoroughly. The divisions should be spaced about 15 to 30 inches apart (approximately 38 to 76 centimeters) to allow for adequate room to grow. This method is quite effective and enables the gardener to multiply their Hosta kikutii plants efficiently while also rejuvenating older specimens that may be growing poorly or have become too large.