August Moon Hosta Hosta 'August Moon'
ABOUT
Hosta 'August Moon' is a perennial garden plant known for its decorative foliage. This variety boasts sizable, heart-shaped leaves that have a unique coloration. The leaves typically show off a rich golden hue, which can add a splash of brightness to shadier spots in a garden. During the plant's active growth season, the leaves may exhibit a slightly puckered texture, with prominent veins that enhance their visual appeal. In contrast to the leaves, the flowers of this plant are often a delicate shade of lavender or white, and they emerge on tall flower spikes that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Overall, Hosta 'August Moon' is admired for its bold leaf color as well as its mounded form, which adds interest and structure to a garden's composition.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'August Moon'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of Hosta 'August Moon' typically does not cause significant symptoms or poisoning in humans. However, as with any plant material, individual reactions can vary, and it is not advisable to consume parts of ornamental plants due to the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or potential allergic reactions.
To pets
Hostas, including the Hosta 'August Moon', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If ingested by pets, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly depression. The plant contains saponins, which are the toxic components responsible for these symptoms. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious complications, but such extreme reactions are relatively rare. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating Hostas and monitor for any signs of distress if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: The Hosta 'August Moon' thrives in shady conditions where other plants might not perform as well, making it ideal for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Decorative Foliage: With its distinctive gold to chartreuse foliage, it provides a striking color contrast in the garden, especially in shaded areas.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low maintenance, it requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring less watering compared to many other garden plants.
- Pest Resistance: Hosta 'August Moon' is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long-lived Perennial: It is a perennial plant that can live for many years, reducing the need to replant annually.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Hosta 'August Moon' can attract hummingbirds and bees, adding life to the garden.
- Soil Flexibility: Hosta plants can tolerate a range of soil conditions, although they prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest from spring through fall, with foliage in the warmer months and flowers in mid-summer.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leaf Printing: The large leaves of August Moon can be painted and pressed onto paper to create natural prints for artistic purposes.
- Accent in Floristry: Its foliage can be used as a green accent in flower arrangements, adding texture and contrast to bouquets.
- Water Garden Feature: The plant can be positioned near ponds or water features to add lush foliage in damp areas.
- Natural Mulch: When hosta leaves decompose, they can serve as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to surrounding soil.
- Culinary Decoration: Cleaned, fresh August Moon leaves can be used as a decorative base for presenting appetizers or desserts.
- Shade Garden Design: Its foliage can be utilized to create green carpets in shady garden designs.
- Companion Planting: August Moon can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials to create a varied and interesting understorey in woodland gardens.
- Textile Dye: The pigments in hosta leaves may be used in natural dyeing processes for fabrics, though it is not a common practice and might require experimentation.
- Photography Backdrops: The broad leaves can provide a natural and lush backdrop for photographing small objects or as a ground for macro photography.
- Education and Science: Hostas can be used as specimens in educational settings to teach students about plant growth, variegation, and adaptation to shade.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in various conditions, representing the ability to endure and adapt to life's challenges.
- Devotion: With their lush foliage, hostas can symbolize the idea of nurturing and caring for those we love, suggesting deep devotion and attentiveness.
- Friendship: Hostas are often shared among gardeners, symbolizing the bonds of friendship and the sharing of joys and pleasures.
- Heartiness: The robust nature of the hosta plant reflects a quality of being strong and hearty in the face of life's adversities.
- Peace and tranquility: The Hosta 'August Moon' with its calming greenery can represent a place of peace and calm amidst the chaos of life.
WaterAugust Moon Hostas should be watered deeply, about once a week, providing at least one gallon of water per plant each time. While mature plants can tolerate some drought, consistent moisture is important, especially during the growing season. Water the plants in the morning to allow foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Adjust your watering schedule during periods of heavy rainfall or drought, and ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During the winter season when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly but do not let the soil become completely dry.
LightAugust Moon Hostas thrive in partial to full shade. The best spot for these plants is one where they can receive morning light but are shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. Dappled shade under trees or a northern exposure often provides ideal lighting conditions for August Moon Hostas, protecting their foliage from becoming scorched during hot summer days.
TemperatureAugust Moon Hostas prefer temperate climates and can tolerate temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing weather. The ideal temperature range for these Hostas is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Hostas can survive up to mid-80s Fahrenheit but may require additional shade and moisture to prevent stress.
PruningPruning August Moon Hostas is generally done to remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and improve air circulation around the plant. It's advisable to prune back the foliage after the first frost in the fall. Remove spent flower stalks to redirect the plant's energy back into leaf and root development.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Hosta 'August Moon', create a soil mix with high organic matter such as compost, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingHosta 'August Moon' should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it becomes root-bound. Division of the plant can also be done at this time to manage its size and health.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'August Moon' thrives in average to high humidity levels. Ensure the surrounding humidity is consistent, but avoid overly damp conditions that can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor Hosta 'August Moon'.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil for outdoor Hosta 'August Moon'.
Hardiness zone
Hosta 'August Moon' is suitable for 3-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleThe Hosta 'August Moon', commonly known as the August Moon Hosta, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or a division from an older plant, which is typically planted in early spring. As temperatures warm, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, developing into broad, heart-shaped, golden-yellow leaves that form a mounding foliage clump. Throughout late spring and summer, the August Moon Hosta thrives, using photosynthesis to grow and store energy in the rhizome for the following season. In mid to late summer, tall flower scapes rise above the foliage, bearing funnel-shaped, lavender to white flowers that attract pollinators and may set seed if conditions are right. After blooming, the plant's foliage continues to contribute to the accumulation of resources until the cooler temperatures of fall trigger the Hosta to enter senescence, during which the leaves die back to the ground. The plant remains dormant over the winter months, conserving its energy in the rhizome until the cycle begins anew with the arrival of the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Propogation: Hosta 'August Moon', commonly referred to simply as Hosta, is typically propagated through division. This is best done in the early spring or late summer. To propagate by division, gently lift the entire plant from the ground using a spade or a fork, taking care not to damage its root structure. Once out of the ground, use a sharp knife or spade to cut through the root ball, dividing the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least two or three growth points or shoots. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil, ensuring that the crowns are set at the same level they were in the original planting. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them.
