Hosta Hosta 'Winsome' (v)

Water

Hostas require consistent moisture, so for Hosta 'Winsome', commonly known as plantain lily, it's best to water it deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water. In hot climates or during dry spells, they may need water twice a week. To avoid leaf burn and fungal diseases, water the soil directly at the base of the plant early in the morning, rather than watering overhead. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water slowly to the root system. To retain moisture, ensure the soil surrounding your plantain lily is well-mulched.

Light

Plantain lilies prefer dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. Hosta 'Winsome' thrives in these conditions, avoiding the harsh midday sun. The ideal spot for your plantain lily is under a tree canopy that provides filtered sunlight throughout the day or on the north side of a building where it will receive sufficient light without being exposed to intense heat.

Temperature

Plantain lilies are hardy in zones 3 through 9, indicating that Hosta 'Winsome' can tolerate temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they prefer the cooler end of this range, thriving ideally in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that your plantain lily is well-mulched to insulate roots against temperature extremes.

Pruning

Plantain lilies benefit from pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain the plant's appearance. Prune Hosta 'Winsome' in early spring to remove any foliage damaged over the winter. After flowering, spent flower stalks can be cut back to the ground to encourage neatness and redirect energy to the leaves.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hostas thrive in a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. A mix containing one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand will support healthy growth. The soil pH for Hosta 'Winsome', commonly known as Plantain Lily, should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 6.5 to 7.5.

Repotting

Hostas, including Plantain Lily 'Winsome', generally need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years. They should be divided and repotted when the clump becomes too dense, which is often indicated by a reduction in leaf size and vigor. Early spring or autumn is the best time for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Plantain Lilies prefer average to high humidity levels, but they are adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions. The best humidity level for Hosta 'Winsome' is between 50% to 70%, ensuring that the leaves remain healthy and hydrated without retaining excess moisture that could lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure ample light and moisture for indoor Hosta 'Winsome'.

• Outdoor

  Plant in shade, moist soil; divide every 3-5 years.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Hosta 'Winsome', commonly known as plantain lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant underground rhizome or tuber, which becomes active in early spring as temperatures rise. The plant then sprouts shoots and unfurls its characteristic large, broad leaves, which are often variegated with contrasting colors or patterns. Throughout the spring and summer, Hosta 'Winsome' grows vegetatively, expanding its leaf canopy and root system, and may produce tall flower stalks with bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds may develop and disperse, but Hosta 'Winsome' primarily reproduces vegetatively through division of the rhizomes. As temperatures drop in the fall, the plant enters a period of senescence, in which the leaves die back and the plant returns to dormancy to conserve energy for the winter. Hosta 'Winsome' completes its life cycle annually, reemerging from dormancy each spring to repeat the process.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Hosta 'Winsome', commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. The best time to carry out this process is in the early spring or late summer, just as the plant emerges from dormancy or begins to wind down its growth cycle. To propagate by division, the gardener should gently lift the entire plant from the ground, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. With a sharp, clean knife or spade, the clump can be split into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and at least one or two shoots or leaves. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in a prepared garden bed or pot, spaced at least 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new location.