Plantain Lily Hosta fortunei
ABOUT
Hosta fortunei, commonly known as the Fortune's Hosta, is a perennial plant renowned for its lush foliage and shade-loving nature. The appearance of this plant is characterized by its broad, heart-shaped leaves that form a mounding shape. The leaves themselves display a textured surface with prominent veins, often presenting a glossy finish which can give them an almost shimmering quality in the right light. The foliage of the Fortune's Hosta comes in various shades of green, sometimes featuring variegated patterns with edges or centers of white, cream, or yellow, which add to the visual interest of the plant. These variegations can form stripes, margins, or mottling patterns on the leaves. During the blooming period, the Fortune's Hosta will produce slender stalks that rise above the foliage, capped with bell-shaped flowers. The blossoms are typically lavender or white and add a delicate touch of color to the plant's robust greenery. The plant's overall shape and the cascading nature of the leaves provide a soft, yet dense texture to garden spaces, making it a popular choice for creating a lush, garden aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Fortune's Hosta, Fortune's Plantain Lily.
Common names
Funkia fortunei, Hosta albopicta, Hosta crassifolia, Hosta sieboldii.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are commonly known garden plants not typically considered toxic to humans. They do not contain any significant poisons that would cause harm if occasionally touched or ingested in small amounts. However, consuming large quantities of any plant material may lead to discomfort or gastrointestinal irritation due to the natural fibrous plant matter. It is always advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to potential unknown sensitivities or the unintended consumption of applied garden chemicals.
To pets
Hostas, also known simply as hostas, are considered to be toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If a pet ingests hostas, they may exhibit signs of poisoning that include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. While hostas are not typically life-threatening, they contain saponins, which can cause the aforementioned gastrointestinal upset. If your pet has consumed a significant amount of hostas and is showing symptoms of distress, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian for an evaluation and appropriate care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Interest: Hosta fortunei, commonly known as Hosta, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its lush foliage and attractive flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for wooded landscapes or north-facing gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Hostas require minimal care once established, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Variety: It comes in a range of sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, providing options for different garden themes and preferences.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage can act as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- Seasonal Interest: Hostas can provide seasonal interest from spring through fall with their foliage and summer blooms.
- Border Plants: They are excellent for creating garden borders, edging paths, or defining garden spaces.
- Habitat Support: The flowers of Hosta fortunei attract pollinators like bees, adding to the biodiversity of a garden.
- Durability: Hostas are generally hardy and can withstand a range of climate conditions in their suited hardiness zones.
- Texture Contrast: The broad leaves of Hosta can provide a pleasing contrast to the finer textures of other garden plants.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant Companion: Hostas are often used as companion plants in gardens to create aesthetically pleasing contrasts with flowering plants.
- Ground Cover: Due to its dense foliage, Hosta can be used as a ground cover to inhibit weed growth and cover bare spots in shady areas.
- Edging Plants: They are suitable for edging along pathways or flower beds, helping to define garden spaces with their lush leaves.
- Container Gardening: Hosta can be grown in containers on patios or balconies where ground space is limited, providing greenery in small areas.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of Hosta help to prevent soil erosion, making them a practical choice on slopes and banks.
- Sculptural Element: With their broad leaves, Hosta can be used to add a sculptural element to gardens, especially varieties with variegated or textured foliage.
- Culinary Use: Young Hosta shoots are edible and can be used in cooking, being popular in some East Asian cuisines.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Hostas can provide a habitat for small wildlife, such as frogs, toads, and beneficial insects.
- Water Garden Accent: Hosta varieties that tolerate damp conditions can be used around water gardens to enhance the natural look.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting leaves of the Hosta can be included in floral arrangements as a foliage accent.
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 symbolize resilience because they can thrive in various climates and conditions and come back every year even after harsh winters.
- Heartiness: The lush foliage and the plant's ability to grow in shade reflect its symbolism for heartiness, emphasizing the ability to survive and prosper with little sunlight.
- Devotion: With its tendency to spread and fill garden spaces, hostas can represent devotion, symbolizing dedication and the expansive nature of love.
- Endurance: Hostas last through the seasons and symbolize endurance, standing for the ability to withstand difficulties and perseverance over time.
- Adaptability: Due to the hosta's capacity to adapt to various soil types and shades, they symbolize adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Friendship: Often shared among gardeners through divisions, hostas can symbolize friendship and the sharing of joys and resources with others.
WaterHostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, prefer consistently moist soil, so it's important to water them thoroughly. During the growing season, generally from spring until fall, water your hosta about once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. However, adjust your watering frequency based on weather conditions, watering more during dry spells. Ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage a strong root system. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils.
LightPlantain lilies thrive best in partial to full shade. They should be positioned in a spot that receives morning sunlight with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. These plants can handle some morning sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so an area under trees or on the east side of a building is often ideal.
TemperatureHostas are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best when the weather is between 50°F and 75°F. These plants can survive temperatures down to about 30°F and can handle summer temperatures up to about 90°F if properly shaded and watered. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or frost to ensure plant health.
PruningPrune your hosta or plantain lily to remove dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. The best time for a major cleanup is in early spring before the new growth begins, making it easier to cut back the foliage without damaging new shoots. An annual pruning in late fall after the first frost is also recommended to remove spent leaves and reduce the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the plant commonly known as Hosta or Plantain Lily should be well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingHostas, including the Plantain Lily, generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should only be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when they outgrow their container and the roots have filled the pot.
Humidity & MistingThe Plantain Lily prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture levels are maintained. No specific humidity levels are strictly necessary for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Hostas (Plantain Lily) need bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Place Hostas (Plantain Lily) in shade to part shade outside.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Hosta fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Hosta, begins with seed germination in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade conditions. As a perennial, it emerges from rhizomes in early spring with folded leaves that unfurl to display their full splendor as they mature. Throughout the growing season, Fortune's Hosta develops lush foliage and, in mid to late summer, sends up stalks bearing funnel-shaped flowers which can attract pollinators like bees. After flowering, seeds will form and can be dispersed by wind or wildlife for propagation. As autumn approaches, the leaves start to die back and the plant goes into dormancy over the winter. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew as the Hosta fortunei sprouts from the rhizome, continuing its perennial growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Hosta, commonly known as Hosta fortunei, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for multiplying these plants. The ideal time for propagation by division is in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active growth. During this period, the clump of the Hosta should be carefully lifted from the soil with a spade or fork, ensuring that you maintain as much of the root system as possible. Once lifted, the clump can be divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or even by hand if the roots are not too dense. Each section should have at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced out approximately 15 to 30 inches apart (which converts to roughly 38 to 76 centimeters). Watering the new divisions thoroughly will help establishment and reduce transplant shock.
