Plantain Lily Hosta 'Wide Brim' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Wide Brim' features broad, heart-shaped leaves that are of particular interest due to their variegated appearance. The leaves are notable for their wide, irregular margins which are typically a creamy or yellowish-white color, forming a striking contrast with the darker green found in the center portion of the foliage. This variegation creates a lush tapestry of color that adds depth and interest to the plant's overall appearance. In the right conditions, the Hosta 'Wide Brim' also produces flower stalks that bear bell-shaped flowers, usually in shades of lavender or white, contributing an additional layer of visual appeal. This variety thrives in shaded areas, often bringing light and decorative foliage to parts where few flowering plants can grow with such vigor. The robust, mound-forming nature of its foliage creates clusters of leaves that overlap each other, yielding a full and luxurious display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Wide Brim'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, including the variety 'Wide Brim,' are generally not considered toxic to humans. They do not commonly cause serious illness or symptoms upon ingestion. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivity can vary, and it's possible for someone to have a mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction if the plant is ingested. It is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not typically recognized as food to prevent any potential adverse effects.
To pets
Hostas, or more commonly known as Hostas, are toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If ingested, they contain saponins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, depression, tremors, and potentially even more serious symptoms. Pet owners should seek immediate veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of a Hosta plant, as early intervention can be crucial in managing toxicity.
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- Easy to Grow: Hostas are known for being hardy and tolerant of a range of soil conditions, making them easy to care for.
- Shade Tolerance: Hostas excel in shaded areas of the garden where other plants may struggle to thrive.
- Attractive Foliage: Hostas are prized for their lush foliage, which can add texture and color variation to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Hostas require minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and dividing.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas provide visual interest from spring until fall, with leaves changing color as the seasons progress.
- Drought Resistance: Hostas can withstand periods of drought once they are well established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Their dense foliage can help suppress weeds, reducing garden maintenance and promoting a cleaner garden bed.
- Design Versatility: They can be used in a variety of design schemes, including borders, woodland gardens, and container plantings.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of the Hosta 'Wide Brim' can attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Hosta plants are excellent for filling in space in shaded garden areas, effectively suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
- Container Gardening: Hostas can be grown in pots and containers, which makes them versatile for patios and decks where ground planting isn't possible.
- Floral Arrangements: The leaves and flowers of hostas can be used in floral arrangements for a lush, green backdrop or a delicate floral accent.
- Erosion Control: Hostas can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion due to their root structure holding the soil in place.
- Leaf Castings: Craft enthusiasts use hosta leaves to create decorative concrete leaf castings for garden art or stepping stones.
- Garden Borders: Hostas can define garden spaces and borders with their varied leaf shapes and colors, adding structure to garden design.
- Texture Contrast: Use hostas in combination with plants having different textures, such as ferns or grasses, for a striking visual effect in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas provide long-lasting foliage from spring to fall and sometimes have a different color or variegation as the season progresses.
- Photography Subject: The diverse varieties of hostas, including 'Wide Brim', are popular subjects for garden photographers due to their unique leaf patterns and textures.
- Wildlife Shelter: Hostas can offer shelter to small wildlife, including frogs and beneficial insects, which can help with pest control in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their durability and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand and adapt to adversity.
- Healing: In some traditions, hostas are associated with healing due to their medicinal properties, representing recovery and the healing process.
- Devotion: The way hostas can flourish in shaded areas can be symbolic of unwavering dedication even in less than ideal circumstances.
- Friendship: Hostas are often used in group plantings, symbolizing the value of companionship and mutual support among friends.
- Heartiness: The robust nature of the hosta plant embodies strength and the capacity to endure, much like a person with a hearty constitution.
- Invincibility: With their ability to come back year after year, even after harsh winters, hostas can symbolize immortality and the concept of invincibility against the elements.
WaterHostas require consistent moisture, so water the Hosta 'Wide Brim' deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing the leaves to dry before nightfall, which can help prevent fungal diseases. Overhead watering should be avoided; instead, water directly at the soil level to keep the leaves dry and prevent disease.
LightHostas thrive in partial to full shade, so place the Hosta 'Wide Brim' in an area where it will be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. Bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight is ideal to avoid leaf scorch. A spot under deciduous trees or on the north side of a building would provide optimal lighting conditions for the Hosta 'Wide Brim'.
TemperatureHostas are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but Hosta 'Wide Brim' grows best in conditions between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 90°F but perform best when not subjected to these extremes for prolonged periods. Hostas enter dormancy when temperatures drop in the fall, which is critical for their survival through winter.
PruningPruning Hostas is primarily done to remove unsightly or damaged leaves and to maintain an attractive shape. For the Hosta 'Wide Brim', cut away any yellowed or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Pruning is also necessary after the first frost in the fall; cut back the foliage to ground level to tidy up the plant for winter. The best time for major pruning is early spring or late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, is a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix composed of loamy soil, peat moss, and compost to add nutrients. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for 'Wide Brim' Hostas.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Wide Brim' variety, generally need repotting every 3 to 5 years. It's best to repot these plants in the spring before the leaves fully unfurl.
Humidity & Misting'Wide Brim' Hostas thrive in average garden humidity levels. They prefer a somewhat humid environment but are tolerant of fluctuating conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hostas in bright, indirect light, with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Wide Brim', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome which sprouts in early spring, unfurling its broad variegated leaves that form a low, mounded foliage clump. As the temperatures warm, the leaves expand and the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it focuses on leaf development and root expansion. By mid to late spring, the Hosta 'Wide Brim' produces tall flower scapes bearing lavender to purple trumpet-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage and attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed if pollinators have been successful, but in cultivation, Hostas are more commonly propagated through division of the rhizomes. Once the growing season concludes, typically in late summer or early autumn, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters a state of dormancy to conserve energy for the winter. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle recommences with new shoots emerging from the rhizome.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Hosta 'Wide Brim', commonly known as Hosta, is most effectively propagated by division. The best time for dividing Hosta plants is in early spring as they emerge from the ground, when the shoots are about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) tall, and before the leaves have fully unfurled. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire Hosta clump, keeping a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, cut the clump into smaller divisions, each with at least two or three shoots and a corresponding section of roots. Replant the divisions immediately, watering them well to help establish the new roots. This method ensures that the new plants will be identical to the parent plant and will start growing quickly.
