Wavy-leaved Hosta Hosta undulata var. undulata (v)

Water

Hostas require even moisture and should be watered deeply about once a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Provide them with roughly one inch of water each time, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage root growth. During hot or dry periods, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy conditions, you can water less often. Overhead watering should be avoided to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. It's vital to maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep hostas healthy and avoid stress from drought.

Light

Hosta plants, commonly known as plantain lilies, thrive best in partial to full shade. They should be placed in a spot where they are shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. Morning sunlight is beneficial, but filtered light under trees or a northern exposure is ideal to maintain the vibrant color and health of the leaves.

Temperature

Plantain lilies grow well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer a climate with cool to moderate summer temperatures. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 30°F before foliage dies back, and they remain dormant through the winter. The ideal growing temperature for hostas is between 50°F and 75°F, with increased humidity levels to keep them lush and healthy.

Pruning

Pruning of plantain lilies is generally done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to tidy up the plants, promoting healthy growth and appearance. The best time to prune is in the late fall or early spring, cutting back dead leaves and flower stalks at the base. Pruning is not frequently required but doing it annually helps to maintain the aesthetics of the garden and can help prevent disease by removing potential fungal-breeding material.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hostas, commonly known as Plantain Lilies, thrive in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil mix should comprise equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark fines. Hostas prefer a soil pH range between 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Plantain Lilies should generally be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when they outgrow their current container. Division during repotting helps manage their size and rejuvenate the plants.

Humidity & Misting

Plantain Lilies do best in a moderately high humidity environment, ideally between 50% to 70%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels but prefer consistent moisture in the air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Plantain Lilies near a bright window and maintain moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial to full shade with moist, rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The wavy-leaved hosta, Hosta undulata var. undulata (v), begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in cool, moist soil conditions in spring. After germination, it develops into a seedling with a small rosette of leaves. As it matures, the plant grows larger, forming a clump of characteristically wavy, green leaves with white or creamy margins, and it establishes a strong root system. Yearly, from late spring to early summer, the hosta produces tall flower scapes topped with lavender or purple blooms that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage dying back, and it relies on energy reserves stored in its rhizomes to regrow the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Hosta undulata, commonly known as Undulate Hosta, is by division. This is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, the gardener should gently dig up the entire plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Once out of the ground, the clumps can be carefully separated by hand or with a knife, ensuring that each new section has at least one growing point or "eye." These individual sections are then replanted at the same depth they were growing before, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters). Water the divisions well to help establish their roots in their new location. This method of propagation allows for the maintenance of the variegated patterns and characteristics of the Undulate Hosta.