Plantain Lily Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' (v)
ABOUT
The Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' is a decorative and lush perennial that is appreciated for its ornamental foliage. The plant has a mounding habit with leaves that are strikingly variegated. These leaves typically display a vibrant green color with irregular creamy yellow to white margins that stand out against the darker green center. The foliage is heart-shaped with a distinct point at the end, and the surface of the leaves is slightly corrugated, exhibiting a texture that adds to its visual interest. During the blooming period, Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' produces tall flower stalks that rise above the foliage, bearing bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are often a shade of lavender or pale purple, adding a delicate contrast to the bold foliage below. The blooms are attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the plant for its nectar. Overall, the Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' is known for its appealing variegation and the lushness of its foliage, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas or as a border plant. The contrasting colors and patterns of its leaves provide a visual depth to gardens, and its blooms offer an additional layer of interest during its flowering season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Shade Fanfare'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally not considered toxic to humans and there are no significant reports of poisoning from consuming Hosta plant parts. However, it's always wise for individuals to avoid eating plants that are not commonly recognized as food due to potential individual allergies or unknown compounds that could cause reactions.
To pets
Hostas, commonly known simply as hostas, are known to be toxic to pets, particularly to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a hosta plant, they might display symptoms of toxicity which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. If you suspect your pet has ingested hosta, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics: Hostas are known for their attractive foliage, and 'Shade Fanfare' offers variegated leaves that add visual interest to shady garden spots.
- Low maintenance: Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and seasonal division if desired.
- Tolerant of shade: As its name suggests, this plant thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it an ideal choice for less sunny gardens.
- Creates a lush groundcover: Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' can be used to provide a dense groundcover that helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- Attracts pollinators: While hostas are primarily grown for their foliage, they also produce flowers that can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.
- Varied landscape uses: This hosta can be used in a variety of landscape settings including borders, woodland gardens, and as an underplanting for larger shrubs or trees.
- Seasonal interest: Throughout the growing season, Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' provides changing interest as new leaves emerge and develop their full variegation.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas can be used in floral arrangements, adding a lush, green backdrop to colorful flowers with their broad, patterned leaves.
- The large leaves of the Hosta can serve as natural 'plates' for outdoor dining, adding an eco-friendly and decorative touch to garden parties.
- These plants can be used in artwork or leaf casting projects to create detailed impressions in plaster or cement for garden ornaments.
- Hosta leaves can also be used as a natural dye source, providing a range of green hues to textiles or craft projects.
- They make excellent choices for container gardening, allowing urban dwellers without garden space to enjoy their ornamental foliage.
- Creating a "green roof" with Hostas can help with temperature regulation in buildings by providing additional insulation.
- Hostas can be cultivated as ground cover to prevent soil erosion in areas with light foot traffic.
- Their leaves can also serve as a natural mulch, decomposing to enrich the soil and suppress weeds.
- Hostas can be used in sensory gardens, as their varied textures and forms provide an interesting tactile experience.
- In photography, Hostas provide an aesthetically pleasing and textured backdrop for macro photography and nature scenes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically mentioned in Feng Shui practice; however, in general, lush green plants like hostas can be used to introduce a calming, yin energy, promote growth and healing, and soften corners of a room, which balances chi flow.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHostas are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, as a species, thrive in shaded conditions, symbolizing the capacity to grow and flourish even in adversity.
- Endurance: These plants have a robust nature, and their ability to return each year represents endurance over time.
- Self-reliance: Hostas need very little care once established, symbolizing independence and self-sustenance.
- Versatility: The 'Shade Fanfare' variety, like other hostas, is known for its adaptability to different environments, signifying versatility and the ability to thrive in varying circumstances.
- Rejuvenation: The plant's emergence in spring provides a sense of renewal and the rejuvenating power of nature.
WaterHostas, including 'Shade Fanfare', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry spells increase watering frequency to prevent stress, but avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf scorch and fungal diseases. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightHostas thrive in partial to full shade, so the 'Shade Fanfare' variety does best in spots that receive morning light with afternoon shade or light dappled through tree canopies. Deep shade can lead to less vigorous growth, whereas too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to burn, so finding that balance of bright but indirect light or filtered sun is key for optimal growth.
TemperatureThe common Hosta 'Shade Fanfare' prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F for active growth and can survive winter temperatures down to about -40°F. They enter dormancy in colder weather and can tolerate frosts, but it's best to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 90°F, as this can lead to heat stress.
PruningPrune Hostas such as 'Shade Fanfare' primarily to remove dead or damaged leaves, which helps prevent disease and keeps the plant looking tidy. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed, with a more thorough cleanup during early spring or late fall to remove old foliage and spent flower stalks. This helps stimulate new growth and maintains the plant's vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat moss, and perlite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingHostas, or Plantain Lilies, generally need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. It is best to repot in the early spring before the leaves fully emerge.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer average to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Aim for a relative humidity of around 50-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Plantain Lilies, ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Place Plantain Lilies in shaded area; keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Shade Fanfare' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown or when it is propagated through division in spring or fall. The plant then emerges from dormancy early in the spring with shoots known as "pips." As the weather warms, these pips grow into large leaves that unfurl to display their variegated coloration. Throughout the summer, the hosta matures and may produce tall flower stalks with lavender or white blooms, which are attractive to bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, seed pods can form, and if conditions allow, they can drop seeds for new plant growth. With the onset of cooler fall temperatures, the hosta's foliage begins to die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy through the winter until the cycle restarts the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hosta 'Shade Fanfare', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, can be propagated effectively through division. The best time to propagate Hostas by division is in late summer or early fall, or alternatively in the spring as new shoots emerge. The most popular method involves gently digging up the mature plant and using a sharp, clean knife or spade to slice through the root ball, creating smaller sections, each with several shoots and adequate root systems. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced appropriately to allow for their mature size. Once replanted, it's important to water the new divisions thoroughly to help them establish in their new locations.
