Plantain Lily Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' (v)

Water

Plantain Lilies, including the Hosta 'Orange Marmalade', should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. They may require more frequent watering during dry spells or particularly hot weeks, potentially increasing to twice per week. Apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. Each watering session should be thorough, ensuring the soil is moistened to a depth of at least one inch. Over an average week, this translates to around one to one and a half gallons per plant, depending on the size of the Hosta and the environmental conditions.

Light

Plantain Lilies thrive in partial to full shade conditions, making Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' a great choice for garden spots that are shaded throughout the day or receive filtered sunlight. Direct, strong sunlight can scorch their leaves, so they should be placed where they can be protected during the peak sun hours. An ideal location for 'Orange Marmalade' would likely be under the canopy of a tree or on the north side of a building where the light is bright but indirect.

Temperature

Plantain Lilies prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' can tolerate temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle short periods of frost. However, the ideal temperature range for robust growth and health is between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, they are dormant and can withstand cold down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, although they should be sheltered from harsh winter winds.

Pruning

Plantain Lilies don't typically require extensive pruning, but dead or damaged leaves on Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' can be removed as needed throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance. Once the foliage dies back with the first hard frost, generally in late fall, the dead leaves should be pruned back to the ground to prevent disease and pests. This cleanup is also a good time to divide and transplant if necessary, usually done every 3 to 5 years.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Plantain Lilies (Hosta 'Orange Marmalade') thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or a commercial potting mix amended with compost is ideal for promoting healthy growth.

Repotting

Plantain Lilies typically need repotting every 3 to 5 years as they are slow growers. It's best to repot them in the spring before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Plantain Lilies prefer moderate to high humidity levels, around 50% or higher, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity conditions as long as their soil moisture needs are met.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use rich soil, bright indirect light, and water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Provide shade, rich soil, consistent moisture, and protect from strong wind.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Hosta 'Orange Marmalade', commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in spring after experiencing a period of cold stratification. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants and establish a root system before sending up shoots. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of broad, variegated leaves that emerge in spring; these leaves can have a blend of blue-green and creamy yellow to orange centers, hence the name 'Orange Marmalade'. During summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing tall stalks above the foliage with bell-shaped flowers that are often lavender or white in color, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed if the flowers are successfully pollinated, but often, Hostas are propagated vegetatively via division. In autumn, the foliage of the Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' dies back, and the plant goes into dormancy through the winter, storing energy in its underground rhizomes until the cycle restarts in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The Hosta 'Orange Marmalade', also known as Hosta, is commonly propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time for division is in the early spring or the early fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, gently dig up the entire clump of the hosta, making sure to keep as many roots intact as possible. Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a good portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately, watering them well to help establish the roots. They should be spaced about a foot (30.48 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. This simple process can rejuvenate older plants and produce new ones to expand the garden or share with fellow garden enthusiasts.