Plantain Lily Hosta 'Tea at Bettys'
ABOUT
The Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' is an ornamental perennial known for its attractive foliage that contributes to its aesthetic appeal in gardens and landscapes. This particular variety features leaves that are rich and lush, often forming a mounded shape. The leaves are the standout feature of this Hosta, with a heart-shaped base and a pointed tip. They have a unique color pattern, typically with green edges and a creamy or yellowish center, creating a variegated look that can brighten up shady garden spots. As the season progresses, the variegation can become more pronounced, adding to the visual interest of the plant. During blooming periods, 'Tea at Bettys' produces flower stalks that rise above the foliage, which hold bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are usually a shade of lavender to purple, adding a soft splash of color against the dramatic foliage below. The overall appearance of this Hosta cultivar gives a sense of fullness and texture to garden arrangements, making it a popular choice for both borders and as a focal plant in shaded areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Tea at Bettys'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally considered non-toxic to humans. While not typically ingested, if large amounts were consumed, they might cause mild stomach upset, but significant poisoning is unlikely. The primary concern with hostas and humans usually relates to skin irritation for those who have sensitive skin or allergies.
To pets
Hostas, known to be toxic to pets, especially to dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious complications, but such occurrences are rare. Pet owners should keep their animals away from hostas to avoid any potential negative health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Northeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Tolerance: Hostas are well-suited for shady gardens where few other plants thrive.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal care once established, making them easy to grow for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors: Hostas come in a wide array of colors and sizes, adding diversity to the garden with minimal effort.
- Drought Resistance: After establishing a good root system, Hostas can be quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resilience: Although slugs and deer might find them tasty, Hostas generally recover well from damage due to their robust nature.
- Long-Lived Perennials: Hostas can live for many years, returning each spring to provide consistent beauty in the garden.
- Textural Contrast: Their broad leaves offer a stunning textural contrast to other plants with more delicate foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas can bloom with stalks of flowers that add a vertical element and seasonal interest to gardens.
- Erosion Control: The dense foliage and root system can help to prevent soil erosion in certain garden settings.
- Easy to Divide: They can be readily divided to create new plants and are excellent for sharing with fellow garden enthusiasts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Container Gardening: Hosta plants are suitable for growing in pots or containers, which makes them a versatile option for patios, decks, or even indoor spaces.
- Floral Arrangements: The leaves of Hosta plants can be used to add lush greenery to cut flower arrangements or as a stand-alone feature in a vase.
- Ground Cover: Hostas can be planted to fill in large, shady areas in the garden where other plants might struggle to thrive, serving as a living mulch.
- Bioindicator Species: Hostas can be sensitive to air pollution; changes in their health and appearance might indicate deteriorating air quality in a specific area.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Hosta plants helps hold the soil in place, making them beneficial for slope stabilization and erosion control.
- Garden Design and Landscape Focal Points: Due to their attractive foliage, Hosta plants can be used to create eye-catching design elements in garden landscapes.
- Companion Planting: Hostas can be paired with other shade-loving plants, such as ferns and heucheras, to create layered and textured garden compositions.
- Textile Dyes: In some cultures, plant material is used to create natural dyes for fabrics, and Hosta leaves may also have potential for this purpose due to their pigments.
- Education and Research: Hostas, with their diverse range of varieties and tolerance to shade, are often used in educational settings to teach horticulture and botany.
- Photography and Art: The unique patterns and shapes of Hosta leaves are an inspiration for photographers and artists looking to capture the beauty of nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHostas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHostas are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Hostas represent endurance due to their hardy nature and ability to thrive in shade.
- Devotion: The plant's perennial growth symbolizes devotion and loyalty that persists over time.
- Resilience: Their ability to bounce back after being cut or damaged offers a symbol of resilience and recovery.
- Hope: Hostas often emerge early in the spring, making them a symbol for hope and new beginnings.
- Adaptability: Given their versatility and ease in various growing conditions, they symbolize adaptability to life's circumstances.
WaterHostas require consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water at each session. In dry periods or hot summers, increase watering to twice a week. It is best to water in the morning to allow leaves to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Over the course of a month, a mature Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' typically needs about 4-5 gallons of water, depending on weather conditions.
LightHostas prefer dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' will thrive best in conditions that mimic a woodland setting, avoiding the harsh midday sun. Bright, indirect light promotes healthy foliage, while too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch.
TemperatureHostas enjoy moderate temperatures and do well in a range from about 50°F to 85°F. Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' can tolerate temperatures down to 30°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal growth temperature for most Hostas is between 70°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' is generally done to remove dead or damaged leaves and to tidy the plant. Prune in early spring to remove any foliage damaged over the winter. After flowering, you can deadhead the flower stalks to direct the plant's energy back into leaf and root development. Annual pruning helps maintain the plant's appearance and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter with slight acidity to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a handful of perlite or pine bark fines can create an ideal environment for 'Tea at Bettys'.
RepottingPlantain Lilies, including 'Tea at Bettys', generally need repotting every 3 to 5 years. It's best to do this in the early spring before the leaves fully unfurl. If the plants outgrow their containers or the soil breaks down, repotting may be necessary sooner.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies thrive in average to high humidity conditions. 'Tea at Bettys' prefers a humidity level around 50% or higher but is quite adaptable to less humid environments provided the soil moisture is kept consistent.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta in bright, indirect light; water well.
Outdoor
Plant in shade to part sun; ensure moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Tea at Bettys' begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome in winter, which sprouts in spring as temperatures rise. The initial growth stage comprises unfurling leaves and development of a strong root system. Throughout spring and into summer, the leaves expand and the plant reaches maturity, with dense foliage forming a mound-shaped clump. By mid to late summer, Hosta 'Tea at Bettys' produces tall flower scapes that bear lavender to white blooms. After flowering, seed pods may form, which can be dispersed to produce new plants, though Hostas are more commonly propagated through division. As fall approaches, the foliage starts to die back, with the plant returning to dormancy in preparation for the winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hosta 'Tea at Bettys', commonly known as Hosta, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular and efficient method for this perennial. The best time to propagate Hostas by division is early spring as the shoots are emerging or in the late summer to early fall, allowing the divisions to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant with a shovel, ensuring significant roots are intact. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, each with at least two or three shoots and adequate root systems. Replant these divisions at the same soil depth as the original plant, spaced approximately 30 inches (about 76 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to rapidly increase their Hosta collection and maintain the health of their older, overgrown plants.
