Hosta Hosta 'Purple Heart'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Purple Heart' is a distinctive perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant exhibits lush, broad leaves that are deeply veined and have a heart-like shape. The leaves are unique in that they have a rich green color with striking purple stems, creating a beautiful contrast. This combination of the dark-hued stems and green leaves adds a layer of depth and interest to gardens. During its flowering period, Hosta 'Purple Heart' produces delicate flowers that arise on tall, slender stalks which tower above the foliage. The flowers are usually funnel-shaped, adding an elegant touch to the plant's overall appearance. The blooms can range in color but are commonly found in shades of lavender or white, further enhancing the visual appeal of the Hosta 'Purple Heart'. The distinctive color combination and the contrasting leaf and flower textures make this plant a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and sophistication to their shady garden spots.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hostaceae.
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Giboshi.
Common names
Hosta 'Purple Heart'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, they may cause mild stomach upset or diarrhea. While not generally a serious threat, it is still advisable to avoid consuming any parts of the plant.
To pets
Hostas can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a hosta, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Depending on the amount consumed, the consequences can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more serious effects that may require veterinary attention. Keep pets away from hostas to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hosta 'Purple Heart' is prized for its attractive foliage, which can add a lush, decorative touch to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety of hosta is particularly well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Hostas generally require minimal care once established, making 'Purple Heart' a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Texture Variation: The unique foliage of 'Purple Heart' can provide textural contrast when planted alongside other garden plants with different leaf shapes and sizes.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas can provide visual interest throughout the growing season with their foliage and have the added bonus of flowers in the summer.
- Ground Cover: 'Purple Heart', like other hostas, can serve as an effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, hostas can tolerate periods of low water, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates or during water restrictions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Accent feature in rock gardens: Hosta 'Purple Heart' can be used as a visually striking focal point in rock gardens due to its attractive foliage and contrasting purple blooms.
- Container gardening: This plant can be grown in containers to adorn patios, balconies, or window boxes, bringing lush greenery and color to smaller outdoor spaces.
- Backyard ponds or water features: Hostas, including 'Purple Heart', can be planted around ponds or water features to create a natural, serene environment.
- Erosion control: Hosta 'Purple Heart' can be effective for stabilizing soil on slopes or in areas where erosion is a concern due to its root system.
- Landscape edging: These hostas can serve as a living border along walkways or flower beds, providing a neat and organized look to garden spaces.
- Underplanting for trees and shrubs: Hostas are commonly used as underplantings in shady spots beneath trees or large shrubs where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Crafting and floral arrangements: The broad leaves and delicate flowers of Hosta 'Purple Heart' can be incorporated into floral displays, wreaths, or other craft projects.
- Garden themes: Hosta 'Purple Heart' can be used in thematic gardens, such as "moon gardens" featuring plants with silvery or luminous foliage that glows in the moonlight.
- Groundcover: This plant species can be utilized as a groundcover to fill in gaps between larger plants, offering a continuous carpet of foliage.
- Biological indicators: Hostas can sometimes serve as indicators for certain environmental conditions, such as soil pH, moisture levels, and shade, helping gardeners adjust their care accordingly.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in shady areas where other plants may struggle. The 'Purple Heart' variety symbolizes the ability to persevere and flourish in challenging conditions.
- Devotion: The name 'Purple Heart' can be associated with the Purple Heart military decoration in the United States, which is awarded to soldiers wounded or killed in service. Thus, this plant can represent devotion and sacrifice.
- Abundance: Hostas are often celebrated for their lush foliage and prolific nature. The 'Purple Heart' symbolizes growth, abundance, and a generous spirit.
- Peace: The cool colors and broad leaves of the Hosta plant are often seen as calming and serene, making the 'Purple Heart' variety a symbol of tranquility and peace.
WaterHostas need consistent watering to maintain their lush foliage, especially during their active growth in spring and summer. Water your Hosta 'Purple Heart' deeply once a week, supplying about 1 inch of water each time, which translates to about half a gallon per square foot. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as Hostas do not like to sit in water. Taper off watering in the fall as the plant starts to go dormant, reducing the frequency to help harden off the plant for winter.
LightHosta 'Purple Heart' thrives best in partial to full shade. It should be planted in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or in an area with dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid exposing it to prolonged direct afternoon sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant coloration.
TemperatureHosta 'Purple Heart' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers an environment where temperatures stay between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F. Consistent temperatures within this range during the growing season will help ensure the plant maintains its health and vibrant foliage.
PruningPruning Hosta 'Purple Heart' is primarily for aesthetic purposes and to remove any damaged or dead foliage. Trim away spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in late fall or early spring, when you can remove old foliage to make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas, commonly known as Hosta 'Purple Heart', prefer a soil mix that is well-draining yet moisture-retentive, rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal mix can be made with equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
RepottingHostas, often known as Hosta 'Purple Heart', typically require repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's best to repot these plants in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Purple Heart', commonly referred to as Hostas, thrives best in a garden setting with average ambient humidity. They do not require especially high humidity but should not be in excessively dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hostas in moderate light, away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Hostas in shade to part-shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Purple Heart', also known as Funkia, begins its life cycle with seed germination, under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The germinated seeds develop into small seedlings with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. Over time, the seedlings grow and establish a robust root system, with the plants developing large, lush foliage and sometimes variegated leaves. Hostas enter a vegetative stage where they expand through rhizomatous growth, increasing their clump size yearly. During the summer, Hosta 'Purple Heart' produces tall flower scapes that bear lavender to purple funnel-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds are set, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants, and as perennial plants, hostas die back to the ground in winter, entering a period of dormancy, with the cycle resuming in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring to Early Summer
The Hosta 'Purple Heart', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, is best propagated through division, which typically occurs in early spring or early fall. The process involves gently digging up the plant's clump with a spade, ensuring a good portion of roots and shoots on each division. Once the clump is lifted, you can use a sharp knife or spade to slice through the root mass to create smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. These divisions can then be replanted immediately in prepared soil, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters) to allow for mature spread. Adequate watering after replanting helps establish the divisions, ensuring the continuation of growth and development for the iconic lush foliage of the Hosta 'Purple Heart'.
