Hosta Honeybells Hosta 'Honeybells'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Honeybells' is adorned with lush foliage that typically presents in a mound-like fashion. Its leaves are heart-shaped, displaying a rich, vibrant green color that can enliven any garden space. The foliage often carries a subtle sheen and is characterized by a slightly ribbed texture, which adds to its visual interest. These leaves gently arch and overlap to create a dense layer of greenery. During its blooming period, Hosta 'Honeybells' sends up stalks that tower above the foliage, showcasing fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms are usually a soft lavender or pale lilac hue, and their sweet aroma can attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to the garden. The combination of its decorative leaves and appealing flowers makes Hosta 'Honeybells' a favorite among garden enthusiasts for creating a serene and textured landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta plantaginea 'Honeybells'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the 'Honeybells' variety, are generally considered safe for humans and are not known to be toxic. There have been no significant reports of poisonings or adverse reactions in humans from ingesting hostas. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms associated with poisoning from hostas in humans because they are not hazardous if accidentally consumed.
To pets
Hostas, including the 'Honeybells' variety, are toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the hosta plant, it can lead to symptoms which may include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression due to the saponins present in the plant. If a pet has consumed a large amount of the plant, more severe symptoms such as an increase in heart rate, difficulty breathing, or abdominal pain might occur. Pet owners are advised to keep hostas out of reach of their pets and to contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet has ingested hosta leaves or any other parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in shaded parts of the garden, where other plants may struggle.
- Ornamental Foliage: Honeybells offers attractive, lush green leaves that add texture and a cooling effect to garden landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Honeybells requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, ground covers, and container gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of Honeybells are known to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Honeybells returns each year, providing lasting value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Ground Coverage: It spreads to form a dense mat that can help prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Seasonal Interest: Honeybells produces fragrant flowers in the summer, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Hostas can tolerate periods of drought, although they prefer consistent moisture.
- Variety of Sizes: Hostas like Honeybells come in various sizes, making them suitable for different 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- Container Gardening: Hostas, including 'Honeybells', can thrive in containers, making them versatile for patios and decks where ground planting isn't an option.
- Accent Plants: 'Honeybells' can be used as accent plants in a landscape design due to their attractive foliage and bell-shaped flowers.
- Border Edging: The dense foliage of 'Honeybells' makes them ideal for use as a border or edging plant in garden beds.
- Shade Groundcover: Hostas are excellent for groundcover in shady areas where many other plants fail to thrive.
- Privacy Screens: When planted in groups, 'Honeybells' can form a lush understory, providing a natural privacy screen in a garden setting.
- Water Garden Accents: Hostas can be planted around water gardens or ponds, adding texture and greenery without the need for frequent watering.
- Focal Points in Shade Gardens: The striking appearance of 'Honeybells' can serve as a focal point in a shade garden.
- Nature Gardens: Hostas are known to attract bees and hummingbirds, making them a beneficial plant for nature gardens designed to support wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: 'Honeybells' can add seasonal interest to a garden with their late summer blooms when few other shade plants are in flower.
- Companion Planting: Hostas can be planted alongside ferns and astilbes to create a varied and textured shade garden display.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHostas are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, in general, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in shade, symbolizing the ability to persist and adapt to challenging conditions.
- Regeneration: Hostas 'Honeybells' die back in the winter and return in the spring, representing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Devotion: Often used in gardens dedicated to lost loved ones or as gifts to convey the message of enduring love and loyalty.
- Peace: The broad leaves and gentle appearance lend a sense of tranquility, making them a symbol of peace and calm.
- Heartiness: A symbol of strength and the capability to survive, Hosta 'Honeybells' embodies robustness due to its disease resistance and longevity.
WaterHostas, including 'Honeybells', prefer consistent moisture, especially in spring and summer. Water thoroughly once a week, providing about one inch of water, which roughly translates to 0.623 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, and instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the soil. During fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant requirements decrease.
LightHostas like 'Honeybells' thrive in partial to full shade, making them suitable for areas under trees or on the north side of a building. Direct sun can damage their leaves, especially in hot climates. A location with morning light and afternoon shade is ideal to encourage healthy growth without the risk of leaf burn.
TemperatureThe Hosta 'Honeybells' fares well in a wide range of temperatures, enduring minimum temperatures of around 30° Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures as high as 90° Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, they flourish best in the moderate conditions of zones 3 through 8, where average temperatures range from 70° to 85° Fahrenheit during the growing season.
PruningPruning of Hostas such as 'Honeybells' generally involves removing yellowed or dead leaves during the growing season to maintain appearance and health. Cut back the entire plant after the first frost in fall or early winter to prepare for the next season. This annual pruning helps prevent disease and keeps the garden tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas, including 'Honeybells', thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts peat moss or compost, one part garden loam, and one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingHostas like 'Honeybells' don't require frequent repotting and can be done every 3 to 5 years. Inspect the plant biannually to determine if it's root-bound and repot in spring if necessary.
Humidity & MistingHostas including 'Honeybells, prefer average to high humidity levels. A humidity level around 50% is ideal, but they can tolerate a range from 40% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Honeybells' in filtered light, keep soil moist, well-drained.
Outdoor
Plant 'Honeybells' in shade to partial sun, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHostas, including 'Honeybells', typically begin their life cycle as seeds or from division of mature plants. Upon germination, they develop into young plants with a basal rosette of leaves. Over the next few years, they grow larger and establish a leafy presence, becoming recognizable for their lush foliage. Once mature, 'Honeybells' produce tall scapes bearing bell-shaped, fragrant flowers in mid to late summer which are attractive to bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, seed pods may develop, which can be harvested for propagation or left to self-sow if conditions are favorable. As perennial plants, hostas die back to the ground in the fall with their root system remaining dormant over the winter, regrowing in the spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The Hosta 'Honeybells', commonly known as hosta, is typically propagated by division. The best time to propagate hostas by division is in early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active growth. To divide a hosta, gently lift the entire clump from the ground using a spade or fork, ensuring that you have as much of the root system as possible. Once the plant is lifted, you can use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be replanted immediately, spacing them at least a foot apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method allows for the quick increase of your hosta collection and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too large or crowded.
