Plantain Lily Hosta 'Risky Business' (PBR) (v)

Water

Hostas like 'Risky Business' prefer even moisture and should be watered deeply once a week with about one inch of water, especially during dry periods in summer. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the weather, soil type, and plant size, with larger plants potentially requiring more frequent watering. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, so water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. During the spring and fall, when rainfall is typically more abundant, you can reduce watering. In the winter, watering is usually not necessary unless the weather is unseasonably warm and dry.

Light

Hostas, including 'Risky Business', thrive in partial to full shade, doing best with morning sun and afternoon shade. They can tolerate some morning or late afternoon direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can cause their leaves to scorch. An ideal location would be under the canopy of trees that provide dappled shade, or on the north or east side of a building where the plant is shielded from the intense midday sun.

Temperature

Hostas such as 'Risky Business' grow well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer a climate where temperatures don't consistently exceed 90°F. They are cold hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F, making them suitable for growth in USDA zones 3-8. Ideal growth temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F; these cooler temperatures promote lush foliage and healthy root development.

Pruning

Pruning a Hosta like 'Risky Business' is mainly done to remove dead or damaged leaves and flower stalks, which helps to keep the plant looking tidy and prevents disease. Cut back the foliage to the ground after it dies back in the fall, using clean, sharp shears. Hostas don’t typically require pruning during the growing season, but any spent flowers or damaged leaves can be removed at any time. Regular removal of dead material can deter slugs and other pests that enjoy hiding in plant debris.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, thrive best in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil recipe for Hosta 'Risky Business' might include a blend of garden loam, compost, and a small amount of perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Repotting

Plantain Lilies generally do not need to be repotted very often as they can thrive in the same spot for several years. However, Hosta 'Risky Business' may benefit from being divided and repotted every 4 to 5 years to rejuvenate its growth and prevent overcrowding.

Humidity & Misting

Hosta 'Risky Business', like other Plantain Lilies, prefers moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, but ideally, a humidity level of 50-75% will keep the foliage looking its best and help prevent the edges from browning.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Hosta 'Risky Business' in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Hosta 'Risky Business' in partial shade with moist, rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  Hosta 'Risky Business' is suitable for 3-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Hosta 'Risky Business' (commonly known as Risky Business Hosta or Plantain Lily) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, with growth typically starting when the soil temperature reaches a consistent 50°F (10°C). The seedling then develops roots and a shoot that grows into a small rosette of leaves. As the plant matures through the growing season, it forms a larger foliage clump with characteristic variegated leaves that are green with a bold, creamy white center stripe. In mid to late summer, it sends up stalks that bloom with funnel-shaped lavender flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds may be produced, and if the conditions are right, these seeds can be dispersed to generate new plants. The hosta dies back in autumn as temperatures drop, entering dormancy over winter, only to begin the cycle anew with the return of warmer spring temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Hosta 'Risky Business' is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the late summer or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of the hosta, ensuring that you get as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp, sterile knife or garden spade, slice through the root ball to create smaller sections, each section should have at least two or three shoots or "eyes" along with a portion of the root system. Be gentle as you separate the roots to minimize damage. Once divided, replant the sections at the same depth they were growing before and water well to help establish them. This method allows the gardener to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, effectively expanding their collection.