Plantain lily Hosta 'Touch of Class' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Touch of Class' is a striking perennial known for its unique and attractive foliage. This plant is marked by its broad leaves that have a distinctive appearance. The heart-shaped to oval leaves are a vibrant green with golden to yellow centers, presenting an eye-catching variegation. The leaf margins are irregular and form a contrasting, rippled edge that adds texture to the overall appearance. During the growing season, the Hosta 'Touch of Class' produces tall scapes adorned with tubular flowers. These flowers are a soft lavender to purple hue, adding a delicate touch of color above the foliage. The blooms rise on stiff stems and add a vertical element to the plant's structure. The combination of the beautifully patterned leaves and the graceful flowers makes Hosta 'Touch of Class' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add visual interest to shaded garden areas. Its lush appearance provides a cool, calming effect and can be used effectively in mass plantings or as a specimen plant for focal interest. Overall, Hosta 'Touch of Class' is appreciated for its elegant and resilient nature in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Touch of Class'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are generally not toxic to humans. However, consumption of any plant material might cause mild stomach upset due to the unusual substances in the leaves. It is not advisable to ingest any part of the Hosta plant due to the potential for discomfort or an allergic reaction, but significant toxicity in humans is rare.
To pets
Hostas are considered toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of a Hosta plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. While the plant is not typically deadly, ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and discomfort for the animal. Pet owners should prevent animals from eating Hostas and seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1 foot 6 inches (46 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Hosta 'Touch of Class' is known for its striking foliage, which adds a decorative touch to gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants have difficulty thriving.
- Low Maintenance: This variety requires minimal care once established, making it a hassle-free option for gardeners.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought with less frequent watering than some other plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Hosta 'Touch of Class' has a long season of interest, from its spring foliage to its summer and early fall flowers.
- Texture Contrast: The plant's leaves provide texture contrast in the garden, which can enhance the visual appeal of the overall landscape design.
- Attracts Wildlife: It can attract beneficial insects such as bees, which are important pollinators for many plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of the Hosta can be used to produce a green dye for fabrics or paper, through a process of boiling the leaves to extract the pigment.
- In art and leaf casting: Hosta leaves, with their textured surfaces, can be used in leaf casting projects to create decorative art pieces for the garden or home.
- As a theme for garden design: Hosta plant cultivars, including 'Touch of Class', are often used in creating a 'Hosta garden' showcasing various shapes, sizes, and colors for a lush, textured landscape.
- In culinary dishes: Some Hosta varieties have edible shoots and leaves which can be used in salads or cooked as greens, though it's crucial to confirm the edibility of specific cultivars before consumption.
- As a photography subject: The striking variegated leaves of 'Touch of Class' make it a popular choice for plant photography enthusiasts looking for texture and contrast in their images.
- For educational purposes: Hostas, with their varied leaf forms and growth habits, serve as excellent examples in botany and horticulture education for teaching plant morphology and classification.
- As a base in flower arrangements: The broad, decorative leaves of the Hosta can be used as a green base in floral arrangements to accentuate the colors of the featured flowers.
- In pet entertainment: While caution should be exercised to ensure pets don't ingest plants that could be toxic to them, some Hosta leaves can be intriguing for pets like cats to play with due to their rustling sound.
- As a frost indicator: On chilly nights, the first frost can often be spotted on the broad leaves of Hostas before it's visible on the surrounding grass or soil, acting as a natural temperature gauge.
- In pottery and impressions: The veined texture of Hosta leaves can be rolled onto clay to create unique botanical impressions on pottery, tiles, and other clay-based crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience – Hostas are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in shade, symbolic of enduring through challenges and difficult conditions.
- Versatility – This plant can grow in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Self-care – Hostas require minimal maintenance, representing the importance of taking time for self-renewal and rest.
- Heartiness – With their lush foliage, hostas symbolize a hearty spirit and robust health.
- Longevity – Hostas live for many years, symbolizing long life and permanence.
WaterHostas require consistent moisture, so it's essential to water 'Touch of Class' deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing the foliage to dry quickly and reducing the risk of disease. Aim to apply water directly to the soil rather than overhead to prevent wet leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. Adjust watering based on rainfall, and reduce frequency as the plant goes dormant in the fall, granting approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water weekly.
LightHostas, including 'Touch of Class,' thrive in dappled or partial shade, avoiding the harsh effects of direct afternoon sunlight. The ideal spot for this plant would be under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive bright, indirect light. Morning sun is acceptable and can help to highlight the foliage, but protection from the intense sun of the afternoon is crucial to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureHostas like 'Touch of Class' prefer moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range between 50°F and 85°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and can survive winter temperatures down to about -40°F, although growth will cease and the plant will become dormant. During the growing season, an ideal temperature range would be from 60°F to 75°F, providing optimal conditions for growth and development.
PruningPruning Hostas, mainly 'Touch of Class,' involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage foliage growth. Pruning can also include cutting back the foliage in late fall or early winter, once it has died back naturally. This helps prevent disease and pest issues. The best time for pruning is when you notice dead or damaged leaves, which can be removed at any time throughout the growing season to keep the plant healthy and visually appealing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPlantain Lilies (Hosta 'Touch of Class') thrive in moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A soil mix composed of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark can create an ideal environment. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingHostas, including the Plantain Lily 'Touch of Class', generally only need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot, which is when you'll notice roots circling the pot or growing through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingThe Plantain Lily prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 80%. Regular misting is not necessary, but an environment that simulates their natural humid habitat is beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Plantain Lily in filtered light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, mulch, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Touch of Class', commonly known as plantain lily, starts its life as a seed, though gardeners typically propagate it by division. Once planted, the seed or division will grow roots and shoots in spring, emerging from dormancy as ground temperatures increase. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, developing large, variegated leaves with a unique color pattern throughout the spring and summer months, often forming a mounded clump. During the summer, the Hosta 'Touch of Class' produces tall flower stalks with bell-shaped lavender flowers, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy; the foliage dies back with the onset of cooler autumn temperatures. The Hosta 'Touch of Class' lies dormant through the winter, with the rhizomes surviving underground until the conditions are favorable again for growth in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Hosta 'Touch of Class', commonly known as hosta, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide hostas is in the early spring or late summer. During this time, the weather is cooler, which is less stressful for the plants. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the crowns, ensuring each division has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted in a well-prepared soil bed, making sure to space them adequately to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them.
