Hosta Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' is a perennial plant that forms an attractive clump of foliage over time. This variety of hosta is particularly noted for its distinct and ornamental leaves. They are variegated, featuring an intriguing blend of colors. Each leaf is typically a soft, creamy white, surrounded by a contrasting green margin that can range from deep to light shades. The leaves themselves are heart-shaped or ovate, often with a gentle waviness to the edge, giving them a slightly ruffled appearance. Throughout the growing season, the white centers of the leaves may develop a greenish flush, which adds an additional layer of visual interest to the plant. The foliage's variegation can be quite striking, making 'Ghost Spirit' a standout choice for gardeners looking to add lightness or a focal point to a shade garden. In addition to the foliage, Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' also produces flower stalks that rise above the leaves during the bloom period. The flowers are tubular, typically appearing in shades of lavender or purple, and they offer a soft contrast to the creamy and green foliage below. The bloom time usually takes place in late summer, and the flowers might attract pollinators such as bees or hummingbirds. This hosta type prefers shaded areas or environments with partial sunlight, and it often serves as an underplanting for larger shrubs, a feature in woodland gardens, or as a border plant. The combination of its striking foliage and lovely blooms makes Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' a sought-after plant for gardeners who appreciate its ghostly beauty and the atmosphere it creates in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Giboshi
Common names
Hosta 'Ghost Spirit'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally not considered toxic to humans. While not commonly ingested, they are not known to cause serious harm if accidentally consumed in small quantities. However, as with any non-food plant, individual reactions can vary, and consuming plant material may potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Hostas can be toxic to pets, especially to cats and dogs if ingested. The main toxic principle in these plants is saponins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if pets consume parts of the plant. In cases of significant ingestion, more severe symptoms such as depression of the central nervous system might occur. If you suspect your pet has ingested hostas, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.
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- Easy to Grow: Hostas are known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, which makes them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Ghost Spirit' thrives in shade, which makes it perfect for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, these plants can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Visual Interest: It has attractive foliage with unique coloration, providing visual interest to shade gardens or landscape designs.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, ground covers, and as accent plants.
- Seasonal Change: Its foliage changes over the season, offering a dynamic aspect to the garden as the leaves mature.
- Pest Resistance: Hostas generally have a degree of resistance to common garden pests like deer and rabbits, though 'Ghost Spirit' may still be susceptible to slugs and snails.
- Long-Lived: These perennials can live for many years with proper care, adding long-term stability and structure to garden designs.
- Easy Division: Hostas can be easily divided to propagate new plants or manage growth, making them cost-effective and sustainable garden choices.
- Attracts Pollinators: While Hostas are primarily grown for their foliage, their flowers can attract bees and butterflies during the blooming season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The striking variegated foliage of the Hosta can inspire artists and designers, serving as a pattern for textiles and wallpapers.
- Cooking: In some cultures, younger Hosta leaves are used as a vegetable, often blanched and served in salads.
- Educational Tool: Hostas can be used to teach botany and horticulture, illustrating topics like variegation, plant propagation, and shade gardening.
- Craft Material: Dried Hosta leaves can be used in crafting, such as making eco-friendly bookmarks or pressed leaf art.
- Photography Subject: The unique appearance of Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' makes it a captivating subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Garden Design: The plant can be used to create themed gardens, such as ghost or spooky gardens, due to its ethereal name and appearance.
- Living Mulch: Hostas can serve as living mulch, covering the ground and conserving soil moisture while adding aesthetic appeal to garden beds.
- Event Decoration: Hosta leaves can be used in floral arrangements or as natural table decor for events and weddings.
- Compost Material: Fallen Hosta leaves can be added to compost piles, where they will break down and enrich the resulting compost.
- Pet Entertainment: Although not recommended for consumption by pets, some cats and dogs might find the rustling leaves amusing to play with under supervision.
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: Hosta plants are known for their ability to thrive in shady conditions where other plants may struggle, symbolizing adaptability and endurance.
- Rejuvenation: The way Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' emerges anew each spring represents renewal and the cycle of life.
- Heartiness: These plants can endure varying soil conditions and still flourish, signifying robustness and determination.
- Transformation: The 'Ghost Spirit' variant, with its changing foliage, implies change and the ability to evolve over time.
- Sanctuary: Providing dense foliage, Hostas create a place of retreat for small animals, representing protection and shelter.
WaterHostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, should be watered deeply once a week to ensure the plant receives sufficient moisture; this is especially important during the growing season in spring and summer. Provide about one gallon of water per plant each time, ensuring the soil is moistened adequately but not waterlogged. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water them more frequently. However, cut back on watering as the plant prepares to go dormant in late fall. Always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightPlantain lilies thrive best in partial to full shade conditions, making them ideal for spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade or areas under the canopy of trees where they can be protected from the harsh midday sun. They can handle a few hours of direct sun, but too much will scorch their leaves, so it's essential to find a balance for this shade-loving perennial.
TemperaturePlantain lilies are hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but their ideal growing conditions are in zones with average summer temperatures around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They go dormant in winter and can manage cold down to about minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them suitable for many temperate climates.
PruningPruning plantain lilies is generally done to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant after the first frost has damaged the foliage. Prune in late fall or early spring by cutting back the dead foliage to the ground to encourage healthy new growth. There's no need for frequent pruning throughout the growing season unless you are deadheading spent blossoms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite is ideal. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to enhance soil structure and fertility.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Ghost Spirit', generally need repotting every 2 to 3 years. The best time to repot is in the early spring just before the new growth starts. Use a container only slightly larger than the previous pot to avoid waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingHostas like 'Ghost Spirit' prefer average to high humidity levels. They thrive in environments with around 50% to 70% humidity, but can tolerate a range of conditions as long as the soil moisture is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place the Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' in bright, indirect light and ensure the soil is moist.
Outdoor
Plant Hosta 'Ghost Spirit' in partial to full shade and keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, begin their life cycle as dormant bare root divisions or as potted plants. They enter a growth period in spring where their distinctive foliage unfurls and expands. Throughout the summer, 'Ghost Spirit' hostas develop tall flower scapes that bear lavender blooms, adding a secondary layer of interest beyond their variegated foliage. After flowering, seeds may develop, but Hostas are often propagated via division rather than seed. As temperatures cool in autumn, their leaves die back, and the plants enter a state of dormancy, conserving energy in their underground rhizomes. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle begins anew, with the Hosta reemerging from its dormant state.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Hostas, including the 'Ghost Spirit,' is through division, which is ideally done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant each division at the same depth it was growing at previously, spacing them about 30 inches (approximately 76 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help them establish. Division is a straightforward and effective way to create new plants identical to the parent and is especially useful for gardeners looking to maintain or increase their collection of Hostas.
