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 |
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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 |