Plantain Lily Hosta 'Golden Scepter'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Golden Scepter' is a decorative perennial plant known for its lush foliage. The leaves are the most striking feature, showcasing a vibrant golden-yellow hue that can brighten up any shady spot in a garden. These leaves often have a heart-shaped base, coming to a distinct point at the tip, and their surfaces are typically smooth with slight waviness at the edges. The plant has a mounded habit, with the leaves arranged in a layered, overlapping fashion that creates a full and lush appearance. During the blooming period, Hosta 'Golden Scepter' produces flower stalks that rise above the foliage. The flowers themselves are generally bell-shaped, hanging off the stalks like delicate little pendants, and can vary in color from lavender to white. As the season progresses, the golden color of the leaves may transition to a lighter hue, providing a dynamic display that evolves over time. The contrasting green stems and flower stalks add to the visual interest of this plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their shaded garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Golden Scepter'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the variety 'Golden Scepter', are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Though they are not meant for consumption, accidental ingestion typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for stomach upset or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Hostas, including the variety 'Golden Scepter', are known to be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In more severe cases, pets may experience abdominal pain. It is essential to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of these plants to avoid these harmful effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hostas are well-known for their ability to thrive in shaded areas where many other plants struggle to grow.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive foliage, 'Golden Scepter' adds visual interest to gardens, borders, and landscape designs.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: While it prefers moist soil, it can tolerate periods of dryness once fully established.
- Pest Resistance: Hostas are generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Suitable for Containers: 'Golden Scepter' can be grown in pots or containers, allowing for versatility in placement and design.
- Seasonal Interest: Its foliage provides a long season of interest, from spring until frost.
- Erosion Control: When planted in groups, hostas can help prevent soil erosion in shaded areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leaf Mulch: Hosta 'Golden Scepter' leaves can be used to create a nutrient-rich mulch as they decompose, bolstering the soil's fertility and structure.
- Garden Design: With its vibrant foliage, Hosta 'Golden Scepter' can serve as an excellent contrasting plant in shade gardens or to edge pathways and flower beds.
- Leaf Impressions: The large leaves can be used to make concrete impressions for decorative stepping stones or patio embellishments.
- Slug Trap: The leaves can attract slugs, aiding gardeners in identifying and reducing slug populations by removing the infested leaves.
- Plant Markers: Dried leaves of the Hosta can be written on with a permanent marker and used as temporary biodegradable plant markers.
- Companion Planting: Hostas can be used to indicate soil pH and the presence of certain nutrients by observing the leaf color, aiding in companion planting.
- Photography Backdrops: The broad leaves can serve as natural backdrops for photographing smaller insects or other garden features.
- Education: Hosta 'Golden Scepter' can be incorporated into educational programs to teach about variegation and shade-tolerant plant species.
- Erosion Control: The dense root systems can help in stabilizing soil and controlling erosion on slopes in a garden setting.
- Art and Craft: The unique textured leaves can be used in art projects for leaf printing or as stencils for drawing and painting activities.
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 being hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and bounce back from adversity.
- Devotion - With their lush foliage that returns reliably every spring, Hostas can represent steadfastness and loyalty.
- Adaptability - As Hostas can grow in shade or partial sun, they symbolize the capacity to adapt and prosper in different environments and situations.
- Peace - The broad, smooth leaves of the Hosta may evoke a sense of tranquility and calmness, which is why they are often planted in serene garden settings.
- Heartiness - Hostas embody heartiness due to their ability to grow and spread, showcasing vitality and robust health.
WaterHostas require consistent moisture, so the 'Golden Scepter' Hosta should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about an inch of water each time which equates to around 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. In the absence of rain, make sure to maintain this watering schedule, as Hostas are not drought-tolerant. It's important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightHosta 'Golden Scepter' thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for garden spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and fade the vibrant color.
TemperatureThe 'Golden Scepter' Hosta prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a temperature range from 40°F to 85°F. Ideal growing conditions are found between 50°F and 75°F. They are cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 30°F, but they do require a period of winter dormancy to thrive.
PruningPruning for 'Golden Scepter' Hosta mainly involves removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance and health. Prune the old foliage in early spring before new growth starts, and remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidy growth. Annually, at the end of the growing season, you can cut back the entire plant to ground level after the first few frosts have killed the foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas prefer a well-draining, rich soil with organic matter and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. You can create an ideal mix using equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark fines.
RepottingHostas, like the 'Golden Scepter', generally do not need frequent repotting and can be done every 3 to 5 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingHostas do well in average garden humidity levels, with an ideal range between 40% to 70%. They are adaptable and don't require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Partial shade and well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Hosta 'Golden Scepter', commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in early spring, requiring damp, warm soil conditions for successful growth. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant, developing a rosette of leaves that are initially small but expand as the plant matures. As the Hosta 'Golden Scepter' reaches maturity, it forms a clump of broad, heart-shaped, golden-yellow leaves that may develop greenish hues as they age, and it may take several years for the plant to reach its full size. During late spring to summer, tall flower stalks arise from the foliage, bearing funnel-shaped, lavender to white flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to create new plants, although Hostas are more commonly propagated through division. In autumn, the foliage dies back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy in the roots to survive the winter and regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hosta 'Golden Scepter', commonly known as Hosta, is best propagated by division, which is a straightforward and highly effective method for this perennial. The ideal time to propagate Hostas by division is in the early spring or fall, when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the Hosta clump and gently shake off the excess soil. Using a sharp knife or spade, separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing in well-draining soil, spaced about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Division not only helps to multiply your Hostas but also rejuvenates older plants that may have become too large or dense.
