Hosta Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' is a charming perennial known for its decorative foliage and attractive habit. The plant features a rosette of leaves that are typically heart-shaped and display a unique coloring pattern. The leaves are often a mix of green, with a creamy or yellowish border that provides a striking contrast. The texture of the foliage can be somewhat corrugated or puckered, giving each leaf a distinct and tactile quality. As the growing season progresses, the Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' may also produce delicate bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage on slender stalks. These flowers are often a subtle shade of lavender or purple, adding a gentle pop of color to the plant's overall appearance. The blooms can attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, adding an extra layer of interest to the garden. Overall, Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' is appreciated for its ornamental leaves and the lush, mounded appearance it provides in the landscape. It's a versatile plant that works well in a variety of garden settings, from borders to container gardens. As a shade-tolerant plant, it often becomes a go-to selection for gardeners looking to beautify areas of the garden that receive less direct sunlight.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hostaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as hosta is generally not considered poisonous to humans, and there are no major concerns for toxicity upon ingestion. However, it is not intended for human consumption, and eating large quantities may cause mild stomach discomfort. The plant is mainly an irritant if ingested and does not typically cause serious health consequences for humans.
To pets
Hostas are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests hostas, it could lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and, in more severe cases, depression. The toxicity is due to saponins present in the plant, which can cause the aforementioned gastrointestinal distress. It is advisable to keep pets away from hostas to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hostas are well-known for their ability to thrive in shady areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Hostas require minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and fertilizing.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hostas can tolerate periods of drought, although they prefer consistent moisture.
- Attractive Foliage: Hostas are prized for their lush foliage, which comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures.
- Design Versatility: The plant can be used as a groundcover, in borders, or as a focal point in a garden design.
- Long-lived Perennial: Hostas are perennials that can live for many years, making them a long-term addition to the garden.
- Pest Resistance: While not immune, Hostas can be relatively resistant to pests, although slugs and deer might pose a problem.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas offer visual interest throughout the growing season with their foliage, and some varieties have notable flowers as well.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hosta leaves can be used as natural platters for serving food at garden parties, their large size making them suitable for holding small snacks or finger foods.
- The thick leaves of Hostas can be used in crafting, providing a unique texture and durability for creating pressed leaf art or botanical prints.
- Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' with its variegated foliage can be a living mulch, covering the soil and reducing the need for additional mulching materials in garden beds.
- Garden designers might use Hostas like 'Lakeside Scamp' for creating green "walls" or borders, as their dense foliage can provide a lush barrier in a landscape design.
- The foliage of Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' can be used as a background in floral arrangements to add volume and contrast against brightly colored flowers.
- Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' can be a cool, soft padding for outdoor pet resting areas in the shade, providing comfort for pets during warm weather.
- In photography, the vibrant leaves can serve as a natural backdrop for macro photography, accentuating the details of smaller subjects placed in front of them.
- Hosta leaves can be incorporated into educational activities for children, teaching them about leaf anatomy, chlorophyll, and photosynthesis in a hands-on way.
- Leaves from the Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' can be used as organic wrapping material for protecting fragile items like glassware or ceramics in storage or during a move.
- For those who practice ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, Hosta leaves can offer both structure and a visually appealing contrast to the more traditional elements used.
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 their hardiness and ability to thrive in shady gardens, symbolizing the capacity to endure and grow in challenging conditions.
- Adaptability: Just as hostas can adapt to various light conditions, they can represent versatility and flexibility in life.
- Self-care: The lush foliage and need for specific growing conditions may symbolize the importance of creating a nurturing environment for oneself.
- Devotion: The perennial nature of hostas, which return year after year, may signify loyalty and commitment.
- Fertility: With their full, verdant leaves, hostas can be associated with abundance and fertility.
WaterThe Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, prefers to be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry weather, watering frequency should increase to every 3-4 days. It is important to avoid shallow watering, as this can lead to shallow root development. Provide approximately one gallon of water for each plant during each watering session, allowing the water to seep deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth.
LightThe Plantain Lily thrives best in partial to full shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which could scorch the leaves. Ideal lighting conditions include dappled sunlight or a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. If grown indoors, placing them near a north-facing window will give them the right amount of light.
TemperatureThe Plantain Lily performs well in a range of temperatures, typically between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Plantain Lily to remove dead or damaged foliage as needed throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time to do a thorough pruning is in the spring before new growth begins or in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. Pruning is more about cleanup than shaping for this plant, and it can be done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHosta, commonly known as plantain lily, thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a chunky material like pine bark will aid drainage and aeration. The ideal pH range for Hostas is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingHostas, including 'Lakeside Scamp', typically don't need frequent repotting and can remain in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted when they outgrow their container or start to decline in health, which can be every 4-5 years.
Humidity & MistingHostas prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They can thrive in average garden humidity conditions; however, they should not be subjected to prolonged dry air, especially indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta in bright, indirect light, ensuring high humidity and cool temp.
Outdoor
Plant Hosta in partial shade, amend soil with compost, and mulch.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Lakeside Scamp' begins its life cycle in the spring when the soil temperature warms, emerging as shoots from rhizomatous roots. The shoots develop into a clump of heart-shaped or lanceolate leaves that unfurl and expand to reveal the plant's distinctive variegation or color pattern. Throughout late spring and early summer, the plant continues to grow, and eventually, it produces flower scapes that rise above the foliage, bearing funnel-shaped flowers usually in shades of lavender or white. After pollination, these flowers may produce seed capsules if the conditions are conducive to seed development. As autumn approaches, the leaves begin to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy within its root system for the winter. In subsequent years, Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp' will repeat this cycle, gradually expanding in size and possibly requiring division every few years to maintain its vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hosta 'Lakeside Scamp', a popular shade-tolerant perennial often referred to as hosta, is typically propagated by division. The most popular method of propagation for hostas, including 'Lakeside Scamp', is to divide the rhizomes in early spring or late summer. As the plant emerges from dormancy in the spring or begins to wind down in late summer, the grower should carefully dig up the hosta, ensuring not to harm the root system. The clump is then gently pried apart into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should be replanted promptly at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters), to allow adequate room for growth. Regular watering is essential to help the new divisions establish in their new locations. This method allows for hostas to be easily multiplicated and keeps the plants vigorous by preventing over-crowding.
