Hosta Hosta 'Pearl Lake'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Pearl Lake' boasts an attractive clump of foliage, characterized by lush, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves themselves exhibit a soft to mid-green hue, which provides a soothing and verdant visual effect. These leaves often have a slightly puckered texture, adding depth and interest to their appearance. The arrangement of the leaves is somewhat symmetrical, with each emerging gracefully on long stalks that form a fountain-like shape around the plant's base. As the season progresses, Hosta 'Pearl Lake' can develop delicate flowers which rise above the foliage on taller stalks, blooming in clusters. These flowers are often bell-shaped, hanging in a way that adds an elegant touch to the plant and offers a contrast to the dense leafy undergrowth. Overall, Hosta 'Pearl Lake' presents a serene and lush appearance with its soft green leaves and attractive flowering, making it a beloved choice for shade gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Pearl Lake'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities they may cause mild stomach upset. The main concern would be an allergic reaction or irritation which might arise in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Hostas are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet consumes a Hosta, they may exhibit signs of poisoning which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. It is important to keep pets away from these plants and to seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Hosta 'Pearl Lake' is known for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Shade tolerance: This plant thrives in shady areas, where other plants may struggle, perfect for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Attractive foliage: It boasts lush, green leaves that provide a beautiful and consistent backdrop for any garden.
- Drought resistance: Once established, Hosta 'Pearl Lake' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for climates with occasional droughts.
- Ground cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
- Seasonal interest: Hosta 'Pearl Lake' features pale lilac flowers that bloom in summer, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, adding biodiversity to the garden ecosystem.
- Versatile landscaping: Suitable for borders, woodland gardens, and as a filler in shaded areas, its versatility makes it a favorite among landscape designers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas, including 'Pearl Lake', can be used as a leafy, decorative garnish for plates in culinary presentations, as they are non-toxic and have an attractive appearance.
- The large leaves of the Hosta can be creatively used in crafts, such as natural impressions in clay or concrete for garden stepping stones or decorations.
- In floristry, Hosta leaves can provide a lush, green backdrop for floral arrangements, adding contrast and fullness to bouquets.
- Hostas like 'Pearl Lake' can be planted to stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion because their roots create an interlocking network.
- The wide leaves of the plant can be used in natural dye-making processes, where they contribute subtle green hues to fabrics.
- During small, intimate weddings, Hosta leaves can be used as biodegradable confetti or as part of a natural aisle decoration.
- Hosta leaves can serve as natural wrappers for cooking certain foods, similar to grape leaves in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 'Pearl Lake' can be utilized as a natural play area border or barrier in gardens where safe, non-toxic plants are preferred for child-friendly spaces.
- The plants can be used as living mulch in the garden, providing ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
- Photographers can use the textured and verdant leaves of Hosta 'Pearl Lake' as a background or base to enhance the visual appeal of their pictures of smaller subjects like insects or other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas can be used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of calm and balance due to their lush foliage and soothing green color. They are suitable for the Wood element of Feng Shui, which can help to foster personal growth and new beginnings. Planting Hostas in the east part of a garden can support health and family harmony, while in the southeast, they can aid in attracting wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, like 'Pearl Lake', can thrive in various conditions and return year after year, symbolizing an ability to overcome adversity and bounce back from challenges.
- Longevity: These perennials have a long life span, embodying the concept of enduring life and a connection to lasting relationships or ideas.
- Devotion: The way Hostas return each season and grow larger with time can represent dedication and loyalty.
- Self-care: Hostas require minimal maintenance, symbolizing the importance of taking life at a slower pace and caring for one's own needs with simplicity.
- Versatility: 'Pearl Lake' can grow in various light conditions, representing adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Prosperity: The lush and abundant foliage of Hostas can symbolize growth and prosperity.
WaterHostas require consistent moisture, so water your Hosta 'Pearl Lake' deeply once a week, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During particularly dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Use about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. It's important to avoid overhead watering which can promote slug problems and leaf diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant, ensuring the leaves stay dry. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering, as excessively damp soil can lead to root rot.
LightHosta 'Pearl Lake' thrives in partial to full shade, which makes it an excellent choice for garden spots that don't receive intense sunlight. The ideal location is one that offers morning light and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing your hosta in direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves and compromise the health of the plant.
TemperatureHostas generally prefer cooler temperatures and will grow best when the daytime temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with night temperatures slightly lower. Hosta 'Pearl Lake' can survive temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle brief periods of heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged heat can be detrimental to the plant. Ideally, maintaining moderate temperatures will promote healthy growth.
PruningPrune your Hosta 'Pearl Lake' to remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain its appearance and health. In late fall or early winter, after the first frost, cut back the entire plant to ground level to prepare it for dormancy. This also helps prevent disease and pest problems in the following season. Pruning is typically done annually, timed with the plant's natural life cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlantain Lilies thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite is ideal for maintaining soil fertility and proper moisture levels.
RepottingPlantain Lilies should be repotted every 3-4 years or when they outgrow their current container, typically in the early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer a moderate humidity level, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Hostas in bright, indirect light with adequate moisture and high humidity indoors.
Outdoor
In the garden, plant Hostas in dappled shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Hosta 'Pearl Lake', commonly known as Plantain Lily, begins with seed germination, although it is more commonly propagated by division. The plant emerges in early spring as temperatures rise and the days lengthen, with new shoots pushing through the soil. Through spring and summer, the leaves fully unfurl to form a lush, mounded clump of green foliage that can be an attractive ground cover. In mid to late summer, Flower stalks rise above the foliage, bearing white to lavender bell-shaped blooms that attract pollinators such as bees. After blooming, seed pods can form, and the plant begins to prepare for dormancy as daylight decreases and temperatures drop, with foliage eventually dying back in late autumn. The Hosta 'Pearl Lake' remains dormant through winter, its rhizomes surviving underground to repeat the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Hosta 'Pearl Lake', commonly known as hosta, is most effectively propagated by division. This method is typically undertaken in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig around the hosta clump, taking care to cause minimal disturbance. The entire plant should be lifted from the ground, and using a sharp knife or spade, the clump is then divided into smaller sections, each containing two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, ensuring they're spaced adequately to accommodate future growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This straightforward technique allows gardeners to quickly expand their hosta collection or share with others.
