Plantain Lily Hosta 'Shining Tot'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Shining Tot' is a decorative perennial known for its ornamental foliage. It features a lush mound of leaves that exhibit a rich green color with a glossy finish, making them shimmer in the light. The leaves themselves are rounded with a slightly wavy edge, contributing to the plant's textured appearance. During its blooming season, it produces delicate flower stalks that rise above the foliage, adorned with bell-shaped flowers that add a subtle but delightful visual accent. The flowers typically have a soft color, often in the lavender to pale purple range, which contrasts pleasantly against the gleaming green leaves. The plant presents a compact and tidy form, with the foliage creating a dense and attractive ground cover. Hosta 'Shining Tot' exudes a sense of lushness and vitality, which makes it a popular choice for shade gardens and areas with dappled sunlight.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hostaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Shining Tot'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the Hosta 'Shining Tot', are generally not considered toxic to humans. They are not known to cause serious illness or symptoms if ingested. However, eating any plant material can potentially lead to discomfort or an adverse reaction in some individuals, so it is always best to avoid ingestion.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Hosta plant, they might experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to complications like dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. It is important to prevent pets from accessing these plants and to seek veterinary attention if a pet has consumed any part of a Hosta.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Hosta 'Shining Tot' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle to grow, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens.
- Attractive Foliage: It has lush, decorative leaves that add texture and interest to garden compositions, even when not in flower.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit can help suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
- Long-Lived Perennial: It is a perennial, providing beauty for many years with proper care.
- Versatile Landscaping Plant: Hosta 'Shining Tot' works well in a variety of garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and as an underplanting for taller shrubs.
- Slug Resistance: Some Hosta varieties, including 'Shining Tot', are more resistant to slugs than others, which can be an added benefit for gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought with less frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Hosta 'Shining Tot' typically has a different appearance with each season, providing year-round interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leaf Castings: The distinctive leaves of hostas can be used to make concrete castings for garden art or stepping stones.
- Leaf Printing: Hosta leaves can be used in the art of leaf printing, where their texture and shape are used to create unique patterns on fabric or paper.
- Vegetable Wraps: The larger leaves of hostas can serve as natural wraps for cooking, similar to how banana leaves are used in some cuisines.
- Shade Garden Design: Hostas, including the Shining Tot, are ideal for creating patterns or themes in shade gardens due to their variety of leaf colors and textures.
- Photography Subjects: Their lush foliage and variety in color make hostas, like Shining Tot, an attractive subject for garden photography enthusiasts.
- Floral Arrangements: Hosta leaves can be incorporated into floral arrangements for added greenery and structure.
- Garden Dividers: A mass planting of hostas can function as a natural, low-growing divider between different areas of a garden.
- Companion Planting: Hostas can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials to create a lush, layered look in garden design.
- Educational Tool: The different species and cultivars of hostas can be used as an educational tool for teaching about plant diversity and cultivation.
- Biodegradable Mulch: Once the leaves die back at the end of the growing season, they can be left in place to decompose and enrich the soil, acting as a natural mulch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion: Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, have lush foliage which can symbolize devotion and loyalty, representing how these plants return and flourish year after year.
- Friendship: With their wide leaves that create a canopy and space underneath, Hostas can denote the protective and sheltering aspects of friendship.
- Resilience: They are known for their ability to thrive in shade, demonstrating resilience and the ability to grow and prosper even in less than ideal conditions.
- Vitality: Hostas rejuvenate each spring with fresh, vibrant foliage, symbolizing new life and vitality.
WaterHostas, including the 'Shining Tot' variety, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches the root zone; approximately 1 inch of water per week is recommended. It's important to water them early in the morning to allow the leaves to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions but aim to water once or twice a week during the growing season. For potted 'Shining Tot' hostas, ensure that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Monitor the soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule during periods of drought or excessive rainfall to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightHosta 'Shining Tot' thrives best in partial to full shade, avoiding direct afternoon sunlight which can scorch the leaves. A spot that receives morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for this plant. If you're growing it indoors, place it near a window where it can receive ample indirect light. Hostas are tolerant of various light conditions, but their colors are most vibrant when they're protected from harsh sun.
TemperatureHosta 'Shining Tot' prefers temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 30°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F, but growth may slow or stop outside of the ideal range. These hardy perennial plants go dormant in winter and can survive cold winters with temperatures well below freezing, but they should be protected from extreme heat in the summer months.
PruningPruning of Hosta 'Shining Tot' is typically done to remove dead or damaged foliage, which can improve the plant’s appearance and prevent disease. Prune in the early spring to remove any dead material from the previous season, and again throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the first frost in the fall, when you can cut back the foliage to the ground level to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas prefer a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A combination of garden soil, compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or vermiculite can create an ideal environment for Hosta 'Shining Tot'.
RepottingHosta 'Shining Tot' generally requires repotting every 3 to 4 years, or once it appears to be outgrowing its current container. It's best to repot in the early spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingHosta 'Shining Tot' does well in average humidity conditions typically found indoors. To ensure optimal growth, aim for a relative humidity range between 40% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in filtered light, ensure well-draining soil, water moderately.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, provide rich, moist soil, and water as needed.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Hosta 'Shining Tot', commonly known as miniature hosta, begins with seed germination, although commercial propagation is typically through division. After germination or planting of divisions in early spring, the plant emerges from dormancy and begins vegetative growth, producing a compact mound of foliage. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant's foliage expands, and it may send up flower stalks bearing lavender to white bell-shaped flowers attractive to bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, if conditions permit, seed pods may develop and mature by late summer or fall, completing the reproductive cycle. As autumn progresses, the foliage starts to die back with the onset of cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The hosta retreats into a period of dormancy over the winter, with its roots surviving underground, ready to begin the next cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring to Summer
The Hosta 'Shining Tot' is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the early spring or early fall. This method involves gently digging up the plant and carefully separating it into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has at least two or three shoots with associated roots attached. Gardeners often use a sharp knife to cut through the thick roots and foliage to create the divisions, replanting them at the same depth as the original plant. Divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new roots. This straightforward technique allows for the Hosta 'Shining Tot' to spread and fill in the garden space while maintaining the desirable traits of the parent plant.
