Hosta Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' (sieboldiana hybrid)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' is a striking perennial plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that have a blue-green hue. The leaves are quite substantial, having a thick, almost waxy texture, and are noted for their heavily corrugated surface which gives them a unique appearance. The veins on the leaves are deeply impressed, creating a prominent pattern that adds to the visual interest of this plant. During the flowering period, which typically occurs in the summer months, Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' produces tall flower scapes that rise above the foliage. The flowers are bell-shaped, tend to be lavender or white in color, and hang from the stems, adding a delicate contrast to the robust foliage below. Overall, the plant presents a lush, mounding form with a cascading habit that resembles a dome of umbrella-shaped leaves. It provides a cool and calming visual effect in shade gardens, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and foliage interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta
Common names
Hosta sieboldiana 'Blue Umbrellas'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the 'Blue Umbrellas' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it's always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant unless it's known to be safe for consumption. If by any chance a person ingests a large amount of hosta plant material, they might experience mild stomach upset, but serious toxicity or poisoning is unlikely.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a hosta plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The plant contains saponins, which can cause these gastrointestinal disturbances. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to increased heart rate and difficulty breathing, though such extreme reactions are rare. If you suspect your pet has ingested hosta, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital for assistance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hosta Blue Umbrellas thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for garden areas that don't receive a lot of direct sunlight.
- Attractive Foliage: This plant has large, heart-shaped blue-green leaves that add a unique texture and color to garden landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Slugs Resistance: Compared to other Hosta varieties, Blue Umbrellas has more slug-resistant foliage due to its thick leaves.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Hosta Blue Umbrellas can withstand periods of drought, requiring less watering than some other perennials.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscaping designs including borders, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover.
- Long Living: Hosta Blue Umbrellas is a perennial that can live for many years in the right growing conditions, offering long-term presence in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant produces tall flower stalks with white to lavender flowers in early to midsummer, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Sculpture Accents: Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' can contrast strikingly with sculptural garden elements like ornate stones or metallic features due to its lush foliage and shape.
- Photography Backdrops: The broad, deep blue-green leaves offer a unique texture and color that make Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' an excellent backdrop for macro photography, particularly of insects and smaller plants.
- Leaf Impressions: Artists often use the large leaves to make impressions in clay or plaster, capturing the intricate vein patterns for decorative art pieces.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly used for flavor, the vibrant leaves can be utilized as an all-natural plate garnish for specialty culinary presentations.
- Sound Dampening: The thick foliage can help in reducing noise levels in a smaller enclosed garden space by absorbing sound.
- Seasonal Marker: Gardeners may use Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' as a way to track the seasonal changes in their garden since it has distinctive growing phases throughout the year.
- Biological Indicator: It can serve as an indicator species in a garden ecosystem, as changes in its health can suggest alterations in soil conditions or the presence of pests.
- Fantasy Garden Themes: Its lush and large foliage allows Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' to be included in fairy or fantasy-themed gardens, evoking a sense of a mystical or enchanted forest.
- Container Gardening: Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' plants can be grown in containers to decorate patios, porches, or balconies, where in-ground planting is not feasible.
- Shade Pattern Casting: On sunny days, the leaves cast unique shadow patterns, which can contribute to the visual interest on plain surfaces like garden walls or walkways.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHostas are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hosta is known for its toughness and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it symbolic of resilience and adaptability.
- Endurance: The plant's ability to return each year, even after harsh winters, represents endurance and perseverance.
- Devotion: With their lush foliage, hostas are often seen as representing devotion and loyalty, as they stay verdant and present throughout the growing season.
- Fertility: The vigorous growth and lush leaves of the hosta symbolize fertility and abundance in life or in one's endeavors.
- Privacy: With their broad leaves that can create secluded spaces in gardens, hostas often symbolize privacy and creating personal sanctuaries.
- Peace: The calming green of hosta leaves and their preference for shaded areas make them a symbol of tranquility and peace.
- Healing: The cool, soothing shade provided by the hosta is sometimes associated with healing and comfort, especially in challenging times.
WaterFor Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas', also known as a type of Funkia or Plantain Lily, water thoroughly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, this typically translates to watering about one inch of water per week, depending on climate conditions. If rainfall is scarce, you might need to water the garden bed where the Hostas are planted every few days to maintain moisture levels. It's best to water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. In hotter weather, check the soil more frequently as you may need to increase watering to twice a week, especially for plants in containers.
LightHosta 'Blue Umbrellas' prefers light conditions that offer partial to full shade, with morning sunlight and afternoon shade being ideal. Avoid placing them in direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.
TemperatureThe Funkia thrives in temperatures between 40°F and 85°F. They can survive temperature lows down to about 20°F but should be protected from harsh, freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' is between 50°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas', or Plantain Lily, is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove any damaged or yellow leaves throughout the growing season. The best time for a thorough pruning is in the fall after the foliage has died back, where you will cut back the entire plant to ground level to prepare for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHosta 'Blue Umbrellas' prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix would be one part garden loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingHostas typically need repotting every 3 to 5 years, but 'Blue Umbrellas' may require less frequent repotting due to its size. It's best to repot in the spring before the leaves fully unfurl.
Humidity & MistingHostas like 'Blue Umbrellas' prefer average to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typically found in outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade, rich, well-draining soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleHosta 'Blue Umbrellas', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, starts its life as a seed, although garden specimens are often propagated by division. After germination, the plant enters a juvenile phase where it develops a small rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it matures, the rosette enlarges, and the iconic large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves unfurl, with the plant reaching its full size in several years. Throughout spring and summer, it enters its reproductive stage, sending up tall flower stalks that bear lavender or white bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees. After blooming, seed pods may form and, if not deadheaded, will release seeds before the plant enters dormancy in autumn, with foliage dying back to the ground after the first frost. The life cycle repeats when the Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' emerges again from its rootstock in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas', known for its large blue-green foliage, can be propagated most effectively through division. The best time for this is in early spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig around the plant taking care not to damage the roots, and lift the entire clump from the ground. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has at least 2-3 shoots and a sufficient root system. Replant the divisions immediately into well-prepared soil, maintaining the same planting depth as before, and water thoroughly to establish the new plants. Over time, these divisions will grow into replicas of the parent plant, exhibiting the same large, textured leaves that make the Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' a garden favorite.
