Plantain Lily Hosta 'Francee' (fortunei) (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Francee' is a striking perennial known for its lush foliage. The plant features broad, heart-shaped leaves that create a mounded appearance. Each leaf showcases a deep green color with a crisp, white margin that borders the edge, providing a lovely contrast. The leaves have a slightly puckered texture, which adds dimension and visual interest to the plant. In the warmer months, the Hosta 'Francee' sends up slender stalks that rise above the foliage, capped with bell-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically a light lavender to purple color and add an additional layer of ornamentation to the plant. The plant has a dense, clumping habit, making it an excellent ground cover or border specimen in garden designs. Its leaves remain attractive from spring until the first frost, lending a full season of interest. The Hosta 'Francee' is appreciated for its hardiness and ability to thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta
Common names
Hosta fortunei 'Francee'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the Hosta 'Francee', are not highly toxic to humans. If ingested, they may cause mild stomach upset but are not known to cause serious harm or fatal poisoning.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests a part of this plant, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In more severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to complications such as dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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 'Francee' is well-suited for shady spots in gardens where many other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with occasional watering and the rare need for fertilizer.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hosta 'Francee' can tolerate periods of drought, making it a good choice for low-water gardens.
- Ornamental Foliage: The plant showcases attractive green leaves with white margins, which add visual interest and texture to garden spaces.
- Ground Cover Capability: Its dense foliage can help suppress weeds and cover bare spots in landscapes.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving in colder climates, making it a robust plant for many gardens.
- Long-Lived Perennial: Hosta 'Francee' can live for many years, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides interest from spring through fall with its foliage, and sometimes with tall flower stalks in summer.
- Animal Resistance: It's generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which might otherwise feed on garden plants.
- Landscaping Versatility: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, woodland gardens, and container gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Container Planting: Hosta 'Francee' can be used as a decorative plant in container gardens for patios, balconies, or other outdoor living spaces to add a lush, leafy texture.
- Accompanying Bonsai Displays: The broad leaves of Hosta 'Francee' can complement bonsai trees in display settings, providing a contrasting backdrop that enhances the aesthetic.
- Edge Borders: Hosta 'Francee' is ideal for creating neat edge borders around garden beds or pathways due to its clump-forming habit and tidy appearance.
- Groundcover in Shady Areas: This plant can serve as an effective groundcover in shady parts of the garden where few other plants thrive, creating a continuous carpet of greenery.
- Dye Production: The leaves of Hosta 'Francee' may potentially be used to produce natural green dyes for textile or craft purposes.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for this purpose, young Hosta 'Francee' leaves may be used as a decorative, edible garnish for certain dishes.
- Fish Pond Complement: The plant can be featured around fish ponds, providing shelter and a natural environment for wildlife while also contributing to the aesthetic of water features.
- Leaf Impressions: The leaves can be used in art projects to make impressions in clay or plaster, capturing their detailed vein patterns and shapes.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking variegation and foliage, Hosta 'Francee' makes an excellent subject for botanical photography and plant-oriented art.
- Seasonal Arrangements: Leaves and flowers from the Hosta 'Francee' can be incorporated into seasonal floral arrangements, including fall displays where foliage is appreciated.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Hostas, including 'Francee', are able to thrive in shady conditions where other plants may struggle, symbolizing the ability to endure and adapt to challenging situations.
- Devotion - The way hostas return bigger and stronger every year can symbolize loyalty and steadfastness, particularly in relationships or personal beliefs.
- Longevity - Hostas have a long growing season and can live for many years, representing long-lasting life or relationships.
- Opportunity - As the 'Francee' variety is a type of Hosta fortunei, it can symbolize new opportunities or fortune, drawing from its association with good luck.
WaterHostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, prefer evenly moist soil, so it's best to water them deeply about once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During dry spells or in the warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring the equivalent of 1.5 gallons of water per week per plant. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. Decrease watering in late fall as the plant goes dormant, and resume a regular watering schedule in the spring when new growth appears.
LightPlantain Lilies thrive best in partial to full shade conditions. They should be planted in a spot where they receive morning sunlight but are protected from the strong afternoon sun. Bright indirect light will help their leaves to develop rich coloration without causing sunburn or bleaching, making a location under dappled tree cover ideal.
TemperaturePlantain Lilies are cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -30 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit during their dormant period in winter. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, ensuring proper mulching in winter to protect the roots in colder zones.
PruningPruning Plantain Lilies is mostly about deadheading spent flowers and removing any damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time to prune is in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning in this manner once or twice a year is generally sufficient; over-pruning can harm the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlantain Lilies prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix rich in organic matter, such as compost or pine bark, with additional perlite or vermiculite for drainage, will create optimal growing conditions for Hosta 'Francee'.
RepottingPlantain Lilies typically need repotting every 3 to 4 years. It's best to repot Hosta 'Francee' in the early spring before the leaves fully unfurl, using a fresh and nutrient-rich soil mix.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Francee', like other Plantain Lilies, thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Aim for a humidity level that mirrors a moist, woodland environment without being overly damp.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure medium light, proper watering, and chunky, rich soil for Plantain Lilies.
Outdoor
Partial shade, humus-rich soil, and adequate moisture suit Plantain Lilies.
Hardiness zone
Hosta 'Francee' is suitable for 3-9 USDA hardiness zones.
Life cycleHosta 'Francee' (commonly known as Plantain Lily) starts its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or division planted in early spring. It then rapidly grows leaves that unfurl into a mound of green foliage with distinctive white-edged variegation. Throughout the summer, it develops tall scapes from which bell-shaped lavender or white flowers bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed pods, but propagation is more commonly done through division of the rhizomes. As autumn approaches, the foliage of the Plantain Lily dies back and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. In the next spring, the cycle begins anew with the emergence of fresh growth from the surviving rhizome.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Hosta 'Francee', commonly known as Plantain Lily, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the hosta clump when the plant is dormant or just starting to emerge from the ground. Gently separate the crowns by hand or using a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least two or three shoots and a good root system. The divisions can then be replanted in the garden at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced at least a foot apart to give them room to grow. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish their roots. This method is effective because Hostas have a clumping growth habit that readily lends itself to being divided and their root systems are tough and resilient, adapting well to being split and transplanted.
