Hosta White Feather (Plantain Lily)

Noted for the unique color of its foliage, Hosta ‘White Feather’ (Plantain Lily) is an upright, clump-forming perennial forming an open mound of thin, prominently veined leaves, emerging pure white in spring and gradually turning mottled and streaked light green. Matt above and shiny below, the striking leaves add drama in gardens or containers. Racemes of lavender-purple flowers appear above the foliage in midsummer.

Noted for the unique color of its foliage, Hosta 'White Feather' (Plantain Lily) is an upright, clump-forming perennial forming an open mound of thin, prominently veined leaves, emerging pure white in spring and gradually turning mottled and streaked light green. Matt above and shiny below, the striking leaves add drama in gardens or containers. Racemes of lavender-purple flowers appear above the foliage in midsummer. Slow to moderate grower, the unusual foliage is vulnerable to pest damage.

  • Grows up to 14 in. tall (35 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
  • Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers.
  • Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
  • Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden