Hosta Hosta 'Patriot' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Patriot' is a perennial garden plant known for its striking foliage. The leaves of this plant are large and distinctly heart-shaped, boasting a lush deep green color. What makes the 'Patriot' variety stand out is the bold, creamy-white to pure white margins that border each leaf, creating a dramatic contrast against the green center. This variegation runs symmetrically along the edges and can vary in width, giving each leaf a unique appearance. The leaves themselves have a slight glossy sheen on the surface and an almost leathery texture, contributing to the plant's robust appearance. During the blooming period, which typically occurs in mid to late summer, Hosta 'Patriot' sends up tall flower spikes that tower above the foliage. These spikes are adorned with lavender or purple trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward in a delicate bell-like fashion, adding a softness to the architectural quality of the foliage. The combination of the eye-catching leaves and the subtle floral display makes Hosta 'Patriot' a favorite among gardeners for adding texture and color to shaded areas of the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta.
Common names
Hosta 'Patriot'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, eating large quantities may cause some discomfort such as nausea or stomachache. It is always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for food.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of the plant, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious effects and veterinary attention should be sought. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on hostas to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot 2 inches (35 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Northeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Patriot Hosta is valued for its decorative foliage, with striking variegated leaves that feature deep green centers and wide, white margins.
- Shade Tolerance: It is an excellent choice for shaded areas of the garden where other plants may struggle to thrive.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Soil Adaptability: This Hosta can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
- Texture Contrast: The large leaves of the Patriot Hosta provide a textural contrast when planted alongside fine-leaved plants.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage can act as ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion in the garden.
- Border Plant: It can be used effectively as a border plant due to its neat growth habit and attractive foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to the foliage, the Hosta 'Patriot' produces tall flower spikes with lavender blooms in summer, adding another layer of visual interest.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees to the garden, which is beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Container Gardening: It is suitable for growing in containers, allowing for gardeners with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
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 wrapping materials for small hand-held items or gifts, giving them an eco-friendly and decorative touch.
- The large leaves of the Hosta can serve as impromptu placemats for outdoor dining, adding an element of nature to the table setting.
- Hosta 'Patriot' can be planted in containers and moved to different locations to fill in landscaping gaps where other plants may have failed.
- Dried Hosta leaves can be used in floral arrangements or crafts to provide texture and a unique look due to their veined patterns and structure.
- The plant's vigorous growth can be used to quickly establish ground cover in shaded areas where grass struggles to thrive.
- Hosta leaves can be used as mulch around other plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- In garden design, Hosta 'Patriot' can be used as a background plant to create a lush, green backdrop for colorful flowering plants in front.
- Slugs and snails are attracted to Hostas, so they can be planted as a sacrificial crop to protect more valuable plants in the garden.
- Their consistent and symmetrical growth pattern makes Hostas ideal as living borders or edges along pathways and garden beds.
- For photographers or artists, Hosta 'Patriot' provides a photogenic subject with its striking contrast between green leaves and white margins.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in shade and their tolerance of different soil conditions, symbolizing the capacity to endure and prosper despite challenges.
- Devotion: With their lush foliage that returns faithfully each year, hostas can symbolize dedication and loyalty in relationships.
- Hope: The emergence of hosta shoots in spring represents new beginnings and the hope that comes with each new season.
- Peace: The broad, soothing green leaves of hostas are often associated with tranquility and the creation of a peaceful, serene garden retreat.
- Vitality: Hostas' vigorous growth and ability to fill garden spaces with life and energy represent vitality and exuberant health.
WaterFor the Hosta 'Patriot', commonly known as Patriot Hosta, it is important to maintain a consistently moist soil, especially during the spring and summer growing months. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hotter periods or drought, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out, but always avoid water-logging as Hostas prefer well-drained conditions. Cut back on watering in the fall as the plant goes dormant, and reduce further during winter when the plant's water needs decrease significantly.
LightPatriot Hosta thrives in partially shaded conditions, where it receives indirect or filtered light. It can tolerate morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch. A spot under a canopy of trees or on the north or east side of a building is usually ideal, offering natural light without the intensity of full sun.
TemperaturePatriot Hosta prefers cooler temperatures with ideal growing conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This perennial can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but extreme cold below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the foliage, while sustained heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stunt growth and affect the plant's overall health. Patriot Hostas go dormant during winter, and while the plant is hardy, its roots can survive down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit if properly mulched and cared for.
PruningPruning Patriot Hosta mainly involves removing dead leaves and spent flower stems to conserve the plant's energy and promote new growth. This should be done in early spring or as needed throughout the growing season. Additionally, after the first frost in the fall, trim back the Hosta's foliage to just above ground level to prepare it for winter dormancy and to reduce the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Hostas, use a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. You can create an ideal mix using one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingHostas, such as the Hosta 'Patriot', generally only need to be repotted every 4 to 5 years, or when the clump becomes too large for its container and rootbound.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Patriot' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%, which mimics its natural, slightly moist woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hostas in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full shade, in rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Patriot' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or, more commonly, when rhizomatous divisions from a mature plant are transplanted into the soil. The plant emerges in early spring as spear-like shoots and unfurls its distinctive variegated leaves that are green with white margins as temperatures rise. Throughout the spring and summer, the Hosta grows vegetatively, developing a mounded foliage clump. In mid to late summer, it sends up tall flower stalks that bear lavender to white flowers, attracting pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seed pods if pollination occurs, although gardeners often propagate Patriot hostas vegetatively. As temperatures drop in autumn, the foliage dies back, and the plant goes dormant over winter, resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Hosta 'Patriot', commonly known as Patriot Hosta, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in early spring or fall. This method is simple and helps to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps, ensuring healthier growth. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire clump of the hosta out of the ground with a garden fork, keeping as many roots intact as possible. Once the clump is out, it can be divided into smaller sections by either gently pulling the plant apart with your hands or using a knife to cut through the crown and root ball, ensuring that each section has at least 2-3 shoots or "eyes" and sufficient roots. These new divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing in well-draining soil and kept consistently moist until they are established.
