Hosta Hosta 'Feather Boa'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Feather Boa' is an attractive perennial known for its lush foliage. It has a distinctive appearance with leaves that are bright yellow to chartreuse, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. The leaves are long and narrow with smooth edges, and they often display a slightly rippled texture which gives the plant a soft, feathery look, mirroring its name. Over time, the foliage may mature to a more greenish tone. In addition to its vibrant leaves, the Hosta 'Feather Boa’ produces flowers during the summer. The blooms rise above the foliage on slender stalks and are typically a shade of lavender to purple. The contrast between the flowers and the bright foliage adds to the ornamental appeal of this garden favorite. The growth habit of Hosta 'Feather Boa' is mounding, with leaves that gracefully arch and overlap, creating a dense cluster. This dense growth makes it an excellent choice for ground cover or for adding texture and color to shaded garden areas. Overall, Hosta 'Feather Boa' is cherished for its decorative leaves and its ability to brighten up shady spots in the garden with its vivid foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Feather Boa'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the variety 'Feather Boa', are generally not considered poisonous to humans. They contain saponins, which can be mildly toxic, but symptoms of poisoning are rare and usually occur only if large quantities are ingested. If consumed, it might cause some discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, like nausea or vomiting, but significant toxicity is uncommon. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants and to keep them away from children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If your pet ingests any part of a hosta plant, it could result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. The saponins within the hosta can irritate the pet's gastrointestinal system. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious consequences, though it is rarely fatal. If you suspect your pet has eaten a hosta, you should contact your veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hostas, including 'Feather Boa,' are well-loved for their low-maintenance nature, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: They are excellent for shaded areas where many other plants struggle to thrive, adding lushness and color to difficult garden spots.
- Ornamental Foliage: The 'Feather Boa' Hosta has attractive foliage that can add texture and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscaping projects.
- Ground Cover: Hostas can act as effective ground covers, reducing weed growth and preventing soil erosion in garden beds.
- Variety of Uses: They are versatile and can be used in a range of garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and container gardens.
- Long-Lived Perennial: Hostas are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year, offering long-term benefits for your garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Hostas, such as 'Feather Boa,' can tolerate periods of drought, which can be particularly useful in drier climates or during water restrictions.
- Attracts Wildlife: Hostas can attract beneficial insects and pollinators, like bees and butterflies, to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas can be planted to prevent soil erosion due to their dense root system, which helps hold the soil in place, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- These plants can be used in a sensory garden because of their textured leaves, which are interesting to touch and provide a tactile experience.
- Hostas are sometimes used for educational purposes in horticulture classes to teach about shade gardening and plant division.
- In some regions, hostas are planted as a food source for deer, which can divert them away from other more valuable plants in a garden.
- Hosta leaves are used in floral arrangements and as individual natural art pieces due to their large, bold foliage that adds a unique texture and shape.
- The hosta can be planted along driveways and walks to provide a defined border due to their clumping growth habit.
- Hostas serve as companion plants to spring-flowering bulbs; once the bulbs die down, hostas can cover the dying foliage with their expanding leaves.
- Hostas are sometimes grown in containers, providing a foliage-focused design element on patios or balconies where flowering plants might not thrive.
- As a tool for creating a low-maintenance garden, hostas require minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional division to control size.
- For artists and photographers, the lush foliage and variety of hosta leaf patterns provide a picturesque subject for studies in light, shade, and natural design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, due to their ability to thrive in shade, symbolize resilience and the ability to prosper despite adversity.
- Devotion: The plant's enduring nature and perennial growth habit can represent steadfastness and loyalty.
- Peace: Their lush foliage and preference for cool, shaded areas can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, symbolizing peace.
- Vitality: Hostas emerge vigorously each spring, symbolizing renewal and the vitality of life.
- Privacy: As hostas can create dense foliage and are often used as border plants, they can symbolize the need for privacy or a barrier against outside forces.
WaterHostas, commonly known as Funkia or Plantain Lilies, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. In particularly hot and dry periods, you may need to water them twice a week. Aim to moisten the soil to a depth of at least six inches. It's better to water in the morning to allow moisture on the leaves to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the soil around the plant, avoiding overhead sprinkling which can damage the leaves. During the rainy season, you may not need to water at all if the rain provides sufficient moisture.
LightFunkias, or Hostas, thrive in partial shade to full shade conditions. They'll do best in a location where they receive morning sun and are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. A spot under trees that provides dappled sunlight or a northern exposure with consistent shade is ideal. Too much sun can lead to faded or burnt foliage, while too little can cause reduced growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureHostas, often called Plantain Lilies, prefer a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F but should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the leaves. During the summer, it's important to ensure they are in a shaded area if temperatures consistently exceed 75°F to avoid stress on the plants.
PruningPruning is necessary for maintaining the health and appearance of your Hosta, or Plantain Lily. Remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. The best time for a thorough pruning is in late fall or early spring before the plant breaks dormancy. Cutting back the foliage in the fall helps to control pests and diseases that can overwinter in the dead leaves.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta 'Feather Boa' is a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix rich in organic matter. A good blend would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark fines. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. Mulching with compost can help maintain soil moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Feather Boa,' generally don't need repotting often as they are primarily grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers or if the plant outgrows its space, you can repot it every 4 to 5 years. Repotting can be done in the early spring before the growing season starts or in the fall after the foliage dies back.
Humidity & MistingHostas like 'Feather Boa' prefer average to high humidity levels. They thrive outdoors in environments where natural humidity is present. If grown indoors, maintaining a humidity level of 40-50% is desirable. Using a humidifier or placing the potted Hosta on a pebble tray with water can help increase humidity levels indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, ensure moist, rich soil, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Hosta 'Feather Boa,' commonly known as Feather Boa Hosta, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions typically in spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a small rosette of leaves, gradually developing into a mature plant with a larger, dense clump of foliage. This plant enters a growth phase during spring and summer, producing heart-shaped leaves and, in mature plants, flowering stalks with lavender to white blooms. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to produce new plants. In fall, the foliage dies back as the plant enters dormancy to survive the winter. The plant regenerates from its rhizomes each spring, repeating the annual growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Hosta, commonly known as Hosta 'Feather Boa', can be propagated effectively through division, which is the most popular and recommended method. The best time to propagate Hostas by division is in early spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, slice through the root ball to separate the crowns. Each division should have at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system attached. After dividing, replant the new sections at the same depth they were growing before and water them thoroughly. This method allows the divisions to establish in their new location before the stress of the growing or dormant season.
