Hosta gracillima (Plantain Lily)

Native to the Japanese mountain valleys, Hosta gracillima (Plantain Lily) is a dwarf hosta used by many hybridizers to produce miniature hosta cultivars. Known as the ‘small rock hosta’ in its native Japan, this clump-forming perennial features lance-shaped, wavy-margined, glossy, deep green leaves, paler underneath.

Native to the Japanese mountain valleys, Hosta gracillima (Plantain Lily) is a dwarf hosta used by many hybridizers to produce miniature hosta cultivars. Known as the 'small rock hosta' in its native Japan, this clump-forming perennial features lance-shaped, wavy-margined, glossy, deep green leaves, paler underneath. It produces purple-dotted scapes, about 10 in. long (25 cm), in late summer and fall, which are topped by funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers with purple stripes and gracefully recurving tepals.

  • Grows in a small, dense mound, up to 5 in. tall (12 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 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. Great for edging, as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
  • 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
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 4"
– 5"
(10cm
– 12cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
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, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden