Plantain Lily Hosta 'Sun Power'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Sun Power' is a vibrant perennial plant known for its distinctive foliage. The leaves are heart-shaped and exhibit a bright, luminescent yellow or golden color that can add a splash of brightness to shady garden areas. As the season progresses, the leaves may transition to a more chartreuse hue, especially if the plant is grown in deeper shade. The leaf surface is slightly wavy and can be somewhat corrugated, adding a textured look to the foliage. The leaves of this plant emerge on long, arching stems that create a mounded form, giving it a graceful and flowing appearance. The Hosta 'Sun Power' is also admired for its flowers. It blooms in the summer, producing tall flower scapes that stretch above the foliage. The flowers are tubular, typically lavender or pale violet in color, and they are arranged in whorls on the upright stalks. These blossoms can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators into the garden. Overall, the combination of the striking foliage and delicate flowers of the Hosta 'Sun Power' makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and texture to their shady garden spots.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Sun Power'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hosta, generally known as hosta or plantain lily, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, some parts of the hosta plant are edible when cooked properly. However, it should be noted that consuming any garden plant not typically recognized as food should be done with caution to avoid potential stomach discomfort or allergic reactions that may be specific to some individuals.
To pets
The Hosta is toxic to pets, including both dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a hosta, they may experience symptoms of poisoning, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the amount of plant ingested. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant effects, and veterinary care should be sought for the animal if any signs of sickness occur after consuming this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gold
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
5 feet (152 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Foliage: Hosta 'Sun Power' is known for its bright, colorful leaves that add a splash of color to shady garden areas.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shady conditions, making it an ideal choice for garden spots that don't receive full sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Hosta 'Sun Power' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep aside from occasional watering and removal of dead leaves.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Suitable for Containers: It can be grown in pots or containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Hosta 'Sun Power' attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of nearby plants.
- Long Lifespan: This perennial plant can live for several years, providing long-term presence and consistency in a garden setting.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers a range of seasonal interest, from new spring growth to flowering in summer and autumnal color changes.
- Ground Cover Ability: With its dense foliage, it can serve as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Versatile in Design: Hosta 'Sun Power' can be used in various garden styles, from formal to woodland settings.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil.
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 to create a foliage-based dying agent for natural fibers. The leaves of 'Sun Power' can be boiled to extract a light green color for dying yarn or fabric.
- These plants can serve as a natural pest deterrent for certain garden pests, such as deer, because some rodents do not favor their taste.
- Hostas are excellent for creating texture in floral arrangements. Their large leaves can be used as a backdrop to showcase other flowers.
- The leaves can be used as a natural mulch, which when decomposed, contributes to soil health, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds.
- 'Sun Power' can be applied in art projects; its large, textured leaves can be used in leaf casting to create concrete garden ornaments.
- As a water-conserving plant, they are ideal for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation.
- The sturdy leaves can be used for imprinting patterns in pottery, where clay is pressed against the leaf to create a decorative effect.
- In a children's educational garden, hostas can be used to teach plant care and the importance of shade in plant growth.
- These plants can be part of a sensory garden for the visually impaired because of their distinctive leaf textures and shapes.
- Hostas can add to a rain garden's effectiveness, as they can tolerate and thrive in the moist soil conditions after rainfall.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, in general, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in shade, symbolizing the ability to endure and prosper in less than ideal conditions.
- Versatility: The 'Sun Power' hosta is particularly adaptable to different light conditions, unlike many other hostas, representing versatility and adaptability.
- Self-care: As hostas require consistent moisture and care to maintain their vivid colors, they symbolize the importance of self-care and personal growth.
- Solitude: Given their preference for shade, hostas can be reminiscent of peaceful solitude, signifying contentment in calm and quiet spaces away from the busy world.
- Rejuvenation: Hostas die back in the winter only to return with vigor in spring, symbolizing renewal, new beginnings, and the cycle of life.
- Longevity: These plants can live for many years, growing larger and more impressive with time, thus symbolizing longevity and enduring presence.
WaterHosta, commonly known as plantain lily, requires even moisture and should be watered thoroughly once a week with about 1 inch of water. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot. It's best to water hostas in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall, thereby preventing fungal diseases. Over the course of a month, a mature plantain lily typically requires around 4 to 8 gallons of water, depending on climatic conditions.
LightPlantain lily thrives in partial to full shade. The 'Sun Power' Hosta can tolerate more sun than many other hosta varieties, but it still benefits from protection during the hottest part of the day. A spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day, is ideal for this plant. Avoiding intense afternoon sun will prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe plantain lily prefers a moderate temperature range and can generally survive in temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 90°F. Ideal growing conditions for Hosta 'Sun Power' are between 60°F and 75°F. It is cold-hardy and can tolerate winter chill, but it should be protected from extreme heat during the summer months.
PruningPruning plantain lilies is primarily for aesthetic purposes and to remove dead or damaged foliage. Cut back the spent leaves and flower stalks in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is after the first frost in autumn or before new leaves emerge in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlantain Lilies prefer moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark can create an ideal growing medium for Hosta 'Sun Power'.
RepottingHostas, including the variety 'Sun Power', typically need repotting every 3 to 5 years. They should be repotted when they outgrow their container or when the soil is exhausted and no longer provides adequate nutrients.
Humidity & Misting'Sun Power' Hosta thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. Optimal humidity for this Hosta lies between 50% and 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Plantain Lily in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Sun Power', commonly known as Sun Power Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or when it is divided from an existing mature plant. Germination leads to seedling growth, which progresses as the plant develops a root system and foliage in the form of its characteristic broad, textured leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with increasing leaf count and size, displaying its vibrant yellow-green foliage that requires some sun exposure to maintain its color. Periodically, typically in mid-summer, the Sun Power Plantain Lily produces tall scapes adorned with lavender to white bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant may produce seeds, although Hostas are often propagated vegetatively through division. As temperatures drop in autumn, the Hosta 'Sun Power' enters dormancy, with foliage dying back, to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Hosta 'Sun Power', commonly known as hosta, is commonly propagated through division, which is ideally performed in late summer to early fall or in the spring as the new shoots emerge. The most popular method involves carefully digging up the parent plant with a shovel, trying to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Once unearthed, the clump can be divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade, ensuring each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spacing them at least a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. After replanting, the divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
