Plantain Lily Hosta 'Catherine'

Water

Hostas, including the 'Catherine' variety, need consistent moisture especially during their growing season in spring and early summer. It is best to water deeply rather than frequently, providing about 1 inch of water per week if there hasn’t been sufficient rainfall. This often translates to around 0.5 gallons per square foot per week, although this can vary slightly depending on the soil type and weather conditions. In hot or dry weather, you may need to increase the frequency to maintain soil moisture, but always be careful not to overwater as hostas are prone to root rot. During the fall and as temperatures begin to drop, you can reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Light

Hostas, like 'Catherine', thrive in partial to full shade. They prefer a spot that receives some morning sun followed by shade for the rest of the day, which helps to highlight their leaf color without causing scorching. Hostas can also grow in dense shade but might not produce as many flowers, and their growth could be less robust. It’s important to avoid direct afternoon sunlight, as this can burn the leaves of the plant.

Temperature

Hostas, including the cultivar 'Catherine', are resilient in a wide range of temperatures but grow best when the average temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit during their dormant state in winter and can endure summer highs up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of their ideal range can stress the plants and affect their growth.

Pruning

Pruning hostas like 'Catherine' mainly involves removing the flower stalks once they have finished blooming, to tidy up the plant and redirect energy to the foliage. Additionally, it's a good practice to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the season to keep the plant healthy. The best time to prune is in late fall or early winter, when you can cut back the foliage to ground level after it has died back, preparing the hosta for its dormancy period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hosta 'Catherine', commonly known as hosta, thrives best in well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, from 6.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to improve aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Hostas, including the variety 'Catherine', don't need to be repotted frequently. They can stay in the same pot for several years. Repotting should be done every 3-5 years or when you see signs that the plant has outgrown its current container, such as roots growing through the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Hosta 'Catherine' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does best with average room humidity. While not requiring high humidity, ensuring the plant has good air circulation will help prevent issues with pests and diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place hosta in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant hosta in partial to full shade, and ensure soil is moist and rich.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Hosta 'Catherine', commonly known as plantain lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or division planted in the soil during spring or early fall. As temperatures warm, shoots emerge from the rhizome, developing into broad foliage that forms a mound. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant grows vigorously, producing lush leaves and eventually sending up a scape that bears lavender or white flowers in mid to late summer. After flowering, seed pods may form, and if these are not removed, they can fall to the ground and produce new plants, although Hostas are more commonly propagated through division. As fall approaches, the foliage begins to die back with the onset of cooler temperatures and decreasing day length. Finally, the plantain lily becomes dormant in winter, retreating into the ground until the next cycle begins with the return of warmer weather.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The Hosta 'Catherine', commonly referred to as a hosta, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide hostas is in the early spring as new growth begins or in the late summer to early fall, allowing time for the plants to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire hosta plant with a garden fork or spade, aiming to minimize root damage. Once out of the ground, shake off excess soil and identify natural divisions within the clump. Cut through the roots with a sharp knife or spade to separate the clump into smaller sections, each containing at least two to three shoots and an adequate root system. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, water them thoroughly, and maintain consistent moisture as they establish. This vegetative method maintains the varietal characteristics of Hosta 'Catherine' and can result in a significant increase in the number of plants in a relatively short time.