Hosta Hosta 'Devon Green'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Devon Green' is a lush, shade-loving perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. It features broad, heart-shaped leaves that have a deep, rich green color. The leaves are glossy with a smooth texture, giving the plant a robust and healthy look. Since this is a 'Devon Green' variant, the foliage won't show the variegation that is sometimes seen in other hosta varieties; instead, it boasts a uniform green tone throughout, which could range from a verdant kelly to a deep emerald, depending on the light and soil conditions. The foliage of 'Devon Green' often emerges in a tidy clump form, with leaves gracefully arching outward from the center of the plant. This creates a dense mound of greenery that can act as a beautiful ground cover or as an accent in a shade garden. Its leaves are slightly wavy and come to a distinct point, adding some texture to its overall appearance. In addition to its beautiful leaves, 'Devon Green' may produce pale lavender or white flowers on tall stalks that rise above the foliage in the summer, though the plant is mostly grown for its attractive leaves. These blossoms can add a subtle visual interest to the plant but are generally considered secondary to the stunning green leaves that provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta
Common names
Hosta 'Devon Green'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hosta, including the 'Devon Green' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or severe adverse effects.
To pets
Hosta is known to be toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, it can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. More severe cases may include abdominal pain. It is advisable to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if they consume any part of a Hosta plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hosta 'Devon Green' thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water availability.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers vibrant green foliage that adds texture and color to shade gardens.
- Architectural Interest: Its symmetrical growth and dense leaves provide structure to garden designs.
- Ground Cover: Helps to suppress weeds by covering the ground effectively.
- Long-Lived: With proper care, it can be a perennial fixture in gardens, living for many years.
- Variety of Uses: Works well in borders, container gardens, and as an underplanting for taller shrubs or trees.
- Seasonal Interest: Though it is a foliage plant, it produces flower stalks that can add visual interest during the blooming season.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving in cooler climates, making it a robust choice for northern gardens.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ornamental plants, it is not known for being invasive and taking over garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden borders: Hosta 'Devon Green' can be used to create defined edges along garden beds or pathways, adding a lush green backdrop to the area.
- Ground cover: Planting this hosta in large groups can create a dense cover that suppresses weeds and maintains soil moisture.
- Container gardening: Due to its compact size, it can thrive in pots and bring greenery to balconies, decks, or patios.
- Accents in floral arrangements: The large, green leaves add a bold texture and a natural look when used in cut flower arrangements.
- Shade gardens: As a shade-tolerant plant, it is ideal for adding greenery to garden areas that receive little sunlight.
- Underplanting for trees and shrubs: Its low height and foliage density make it a suitable underplanting choice, filling the otherwise bare ground beneath taller plants.
- Water garden edges: Hosta 'Devon Green' can be planted along the edges of water features to soften the transition between water and land.
- Erosion control: The root system helps to hold soil in place on slopes, aiding in erosion control in hilly gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: While not their first choice, the leaves may occasionally provide shelter or food for small animals and insects.
- Photography: The plant's attractive foliage can serve as a lush, monochromatic backdrop for garden photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Hostas are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, representing the ability to endure and bounce back.
- Adaptability - With their capacity to grow in shade and different soil types, Hostas symbolize flexibility and the ability to adjust to life's changes.
- Shelter - The large leaves of the Hosta plant offer protection to smaller creatures, symbolizing refuge and safety.
- Heartiness - The robust nature of the plant signifies strength and robust health.
- Inviting Nature - Hostas are often used in gardens to create an inviting natural environment, representing hospitality and warmth.
WaterHostas, including the 'Devon Green', require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply about once a week, with adjustments made for rainfall and temperature conditions. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Typically, a hosta plant in the garden would benefit from about one inch of water per week, which translates to about half a gallon for smaller plants and up to 1.5 gallons for larger specimens. It's important to water the hostas at the base, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
LightThe 'Devon Green' hosta thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. A spot that receives morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal to highlight its vibrant green foliage without causing leaf burn. Hostas can tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but in warmer regions, they need plenty of shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureThe 'Devon Green' hosta can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can survive winter conditions with temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the summer, they can tolerate temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning 'Devon Green' hostas is mainly done to remove dead or damaged leaves and to keep the plant looking tidy. The best time to prune is in the spring as new growth starts to emerge. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to remove any spent flowers stems or yellowing leaves. Hostas generally do not require extensive pruning, making maintenance minimal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a bit of perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Regular amendments with organic material help maintain soil health and structure.
RepottingPlantain Lilies should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when they outgrow their current container. It is best to do this in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer a moderate humidity level, between 40% to 70%, similar to that found in their natural woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Hosta 'Devon Green', commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins with germination from seeds, although garden cultivation typically starts with division or transplantation of mature plants. Following establishment, the plant enters a vegetative state where it produces hearty, green foliage each spring, emerging from a rhizomatous root system. Through late spring and summer, the plantain lily reaches maturity, displaying tall flower scapes that bear lavender or white blooms, although Hosta 'Devon Green' is primarily grown for its attractive foliage. After flowering, it enters a period of senescence in late summer to fall, when leaves start yellowing and die back as the plant prepares for dormancy. During winter, the plant remains dormant, with underground parts surviving to regrow the following spring. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant potentially growing larger and more vigorous with each successive year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Hosta 'Devon Green', commonly known as Hosta, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This is ideally done in the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire Hosta clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in prepared soil, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them. In gallons, water each division with roughly 1 to 2 gallons (3.8 to 7.6 liters) to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
