Plantain Lily Hosta 'Decorata'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Decorata' is an ornamental plant known for its attractive foliage. It features broadly ovate leaves that have a deep green color with a conspicuous creamy-white or yellowish margin that can vary in width. The leaves are slightly corrugated and have a notable texture, giving them a lush and full appearance. Throughout the growing season, the leaves form a dense mound, creating a statement in the garden. In addition to its striking leaves, Hosta 'Decorata' produces delicate flower stalks which bear funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically lavender or pale purple and arise on stems that stand above the foliage clump, adding a vertical element to the plant's presentation. These blooms not only enhance the visual appeal of the plant but also attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds during the flowering season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hostaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Decorata'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally considered non-toxic to humans. While they are not intended for consumption, incidental ingestion typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, if large quantities are consumed, it could potentially result in an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal discomfort due to the plant's fiber content and natural compounds. Always exercise caution and keep plants out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant material.
To pets
Hostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, are poisonous to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, it may experience symptoms of poisoning that can include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The plant contains saponins, which are toxic to pets and can cause a variety of gastrointestinal disturbances. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious complications and veterinary attention should be sought.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Hosta 'Decorata' offers lush green foliage with decorative white edges, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with infrequent watering and limited need for fertilization.
- Slugs and Snail Resistance: More resistant to slugs and snails compared to other Hostas, reducing the likelihood of pest damage.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of withstanding periods of low water availability, which is beneficial in drier climates or during water use restrictions.
- Long-Lasting Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing long-term coverage and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, from clay to sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining.
- Textural Contrast: The broad leaves offer a pleasing textural contrast when planted alongside plants with finer foliage or flowers.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 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- Leaf Casting: Hosta leaves can be used to make concrete leaf casting for ornamental garden accents due to their veined and textured surface.
- Floral Design: The foliage of Hostas, being lush and green, is frequently incorporated into floral arrangements as a backdrop or filler.
- Culinary Garnish: Large, healthy Hosta leaves may be used as an organic plate or platter for presenting appetizers in a natural setting.
- Photography Backdrops: Because of their large, wide leaves, Hostas can create a green, textured background for macro or close-up photography.
- Shade Garden Accent: In gardens without much sunlight, the Hosta provides lush, green foliage to create visual interest.
- Plant Sculpture: The leaves and form of the Hosta can be trained or pruned into artistic shapes for a unique garden feature.
- Eco-printing: Hosta leaves can be used for eco-printing, a natural process where the pigments of leaves transfer to fabric or paper.
- Nature Crafts: Leaves of the Hosta can be used in various craft projects, like leaf stamping or as inspiration for botanical drawings.
- Water Garden Foliage: Hosta varieties that can tolerate wet soil may be used to add foliage interest around water features.
- Green Roof Planting: Suitable Hosta varieties can be grown on green roofs where their low maintenance and ability to handle shade is beneficial.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heartiness: Hosta is known for its ability to thrive in shaded environments where other plants may struggle, representing resilience and adaptability in challenging conditions.
- Devotion: With its lush foliage that returns reliably every spring, Hosta symbolizes loyalty and the perpetual renewal of love and affection.
- Friendship: Often used in landscaping to complement other plants, Hosta signifies bonds of friendship and the enhancement of one's life through relationships.
- Tranquility: The broad, smooth leaves of the Hosta promote a sense of calm and peacefulness, reflecting a state of tranquility.
WaterHostas, including the Hosta 'Decorata', prefer consistently moist soil, so water them deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf burn and fungal diseases; instead, water directly at the base of the plant. Cut back on watering in the late fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightHosta 'Decorata', or commonly just 'Hosta', thrives best in partial to full shade. It is crucial to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. A spot that receives morning light with afternoon shade is ideal to ensure its foliage remains lush and vibrant.
TemperatureHostas, including 'Decorata', prefer a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F, but they can tolerate temperatures down to 30°F and up to 90°F. The ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures. They are resilient plants that can handle a little cold but should be protected from extreme heat to avoid wilting and leaf damage.
PruningPruning Hostas like the Hosta 'Decorata' mainly consists of removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance. Cut back the foliage in the fall after it has died back to prepare the plant for winter. Prune occasionally during the growing season as needed to keep your hosta looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good recipe for Hosta 'Decorata' would be a mix of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingPlantain Lilies generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 5 years. If the clump becomes too large or the plant shows signs of decline, it's time to repot. Early spring, just as the plant starts to grow, is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Decorata' prefers average to high humidity levels, between 40% to 70%. Avoid placing the Plantain Lily in a dry environment as it prefers a slightly more humid climate to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full shade and keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Decorata' begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome that breaks dormancy in early spring. It enters a growth phase where foliage emerges, developing into broad, green leaves with distinct variegation. Throughout the spring and into summer, the plant continues to grow vegetatively, enlarging its clump size. In mid to late summer, Hosta 'Decorata' produces tall flower scapes that bear lavender or purple flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though Hostas are often propagated vegetatively by division. As the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, the plant's leaves die back, and it enters a period of dormancy again, replenishing energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
When it comes to propagating the Hosta 'Decorata', commonly known as hosta, the most popular and effective method is division. The ideal time to divide hostas is in the early spring as the new shoots, known as "eyes," are just beginning to emerge from the ground or in the late summer to early fall, giving them enough time to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate through division, carefully dig around the hosta with a shovel, preserving as much of the root system as possible, and lift the entire clump out of the ground. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system attached. Immediately replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them at least 30 inches (approximately 76 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help them settle in and establish a strong root system. This method of propagation not only helps to create new plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that have become too large or are starting to die out in the center.
