Plantain Lily Hosta 'Paxton's Original' (sieboldii) (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Paxton's Original', commonly known as hosta, presents a lush foliage display that is both eye-catching and serene. This variety exhibits broad, heart-shaped leaves that have a substantial presence, giving the plant a robust and healthy appearance. The leaves are a deep green color, often with a glossy finish that catches the light, providing a visual texture that enhances the garden space. Sometimes, the green may have variegated patterns, with shades of yellow and cream interspersed, creating a striking contrast. In the summer months, the hosta produces flower stalks that rise above the foliage. These flowers are bell-shaped and can range in color from lavender to white, depending on the specific variety. The flowers add an additional layer of interest to the plant's overall appearance and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Hosta 'Paxton's Original' spreads gracefully and can serve as an elegant ground cover, as its leaves create a dense canopy over the soil. The plant's texture and color make it an excellent choice for adding depth and contrast to shaded garden areas where many other plants might struggle to thrive. The foliage tends to have a cascading habit that softens garden edges and integrates seamlessly with surrounding plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta sieboldii, Funkia sieboldii.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Hosta is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any non-food plant, ingesting parts of the plant could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with sensitivity to plants. There are no severe toxic effects expected from ingesting Hostas in humans.
To pets
Hosta plants are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet consumes any part of a Hosta, they may exhibit symptoms of poisoning which include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious complications, but this is rare. Pet owners should monitor their pets and keep them away from Hostas to prevent any potential health issues. If ingestion occurs, they should contact their veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hostas are well-known for their low-maintenance requirements, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: Hostas thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making them ideal for woodland gardens or north-facing spaces.
- Ornamental Foliage: The attractive foliage of Hosta 'Paxton's Original' adds texture and color to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Longevity: Hostas are perennials, meaning they come back year after year, reducing the need for frequent replanting.
- Variety of Uses: They are versatile in landscaping, suitable for borders, container gardening, ground covers, and underplanting trees and shrubs.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas may produce flowers in the summer, adding an extra layer of interest to the garden.
- Companion Planting: They work well when planted alongside other shade-loving perennials, creating aesthetically pleasing and diverse garden designs.
- Slugs and Snails Indicator: An increase in these pests on a hosta can indicate a broader issue in the garden, allowing early intervention.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, some hostas, like Hosta 'Paxton's Original', can tolerate periods of dryness.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract hummingbirds and bees, promoting pollination and benefiting the local ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dyeing: The leaves of the Hosta plant can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering subtle green hues.
- Garden Design: Hostas can be used in garden designs, like Japanese or shade gardens, for their aesthetic foliage and layout structuring.
- Education: These plants are great for botanical studies due to the variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and textures they exhibit.
- Photography: Hostas, with their lush foliage and variety, make excellent subjects for botanical photography, drawing in nature and garden photographers.
- Culinary Decoration: The leaves of the Hosta can be utilized as a natural plate or decorative backdrop for presenting food at garden parties.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use the diverse patterns and forms of Hosta leaves for drawing, painting, and other visual art inspiration.
- Leaf Casting: Gardeners and crafters can use Hosta leaves to make leaf castings with concrete or plaster to create decorative items for the garden.
- Bonsai Companions: Smaller Hosta varieties can be nurtured as companion plants in bonsai displays to enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Biodegradable Mulch: After the growing season, Hosta leaves can be composted and later used as a biodegradable mulch to enrich garden soil health.
- Floral Arrangements: Hosta leaves and blooms can be included in floral arrangements for their texture and color contrast.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta plant, commonly known as plantain lilies, can be used in Feng Shui to bring in a calming energy and to balance the wood element in a garden or interior space, due to its lush green leaves. It is believed to promote a sense of grounding and stability when placed in the east or southeast areas of a garden or home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Hostas are often associated with devotion due to their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shaded areas, suggesting a steadfast nature.
- Friendship: The widespread use and easy sharing of hosta cuttings among gardeners signifies bonds of friendship and community.
- Longevity: Hostas can live for decades, symbolizing enduring presence, permanence, and stability in one's life.
- Patience: Hostas take time to fully mature and display their beauty, representing the virtue of patience and the rewards that come with it.
WaterHostas, including 'Paxton's Original', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. The frequency of watering should adjust to the climate and soil moisture, but generally, once a week is sufficient. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to every 3-4 days. Each watering session should provide about 1 gallon of water per plant, depending on the size and maturity of the Hosta. Ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged is key to the health of the plant.
LightHostas, like 'Paxton's Original', thrive best in partial to full shade. They should be planted in a spot that receives some morning sun but is protected from the harsh afternoon sunlight. Ideally, a location under the dappled light of trees or on the north side of a building provides optimal conditions for these shade-loving perennials.
TemperatureHostas, such as 'Paxton's Original', prefer temperate conditions and grow best when temperatures are between 50°F and 80°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F but should be protected from hard frosts. During summer, it's important to keep them cool, especially in areas where temperatures can exceed 85°F, as intense heat can cause stress to the plant.
PruningHostas such as 'Paxton's Original' are low maintenance in terms of pruning. Pruning is primarily done to remove dead or damaged leaves and to tidy up the plant's appearance. The best time to prune is in the spring as new growth begins or immediately after flowering. Cutting back the flower stalks after blooming can also encourage a tidier plant structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas require well-draining, moisture-retentive soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix could be composed of one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Incorporate organic matter to enhance the soil structure and retain moisture for the Hosta's broad foliage.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Paxton's Original' variety, typically need repotting every 3 to 5 years. They should be repotted when they outgrow their current container or when the soil becomes compacted or depleted of nutrients, ensuring that these perennial plants remain healthy and vibrant.
Humidity & MistingHostas prefer a moderate to high humidity level. To maintain ideal humidity conditions for the 'Paxton's Original' Hosta, strive for a range of around 50% to 70%, which helps in maintaining the lushness of its foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep hostas in well-lit rooms, away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in shade to partial sun, with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Paxton's Original' (Plantain Lily) begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or division, which typically breaks dormancy in early spring as temperatures rise. New shoots emerge and develop into broad, ovate leaves that unfurl and form a lush, mounding clump. Throughout late spring to summer, the plant produces tall, slender stalks that bear bell-shaped flowers, which are often violet or white and attract pollinators. Once the blooming period is over, the flowers fade, and seed pods may form, containing seeds that can disperse and potentially give rise to new plants. During fall, the foliage begins to die back as the plant prepares for dormancy, conserving its energy in the rhizome through the winter period. With the return of favorable growing conditions in the next spring, the cycle starts anew with the emergence of fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hosta 'Paxton's Original', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, is most effectively propagated through division. This process is best done in early spring or late summer when the plant is not in active growth but while the soil is still warm, about 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius). To divide a Hosta, you start by carefully digging up the entire plant, ensuring you maintain as much of the root system as possible. Once the plant is lifted, the clumps can be separated using a sharp spade or knife by slicing through the crown to create smaller clumps, each with at least two or three shoots and an adequate portion of the root system attached. The new divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally and watered thoroughly to establish them. This method of division allows for the rejuvenation of older plants and the creation of new plants to expand gardens or share with others.
