Hosta Alligator Alley (Plantain Lily)

Hosta ‘Alligator Alley’ (Plantain Lily) forms an eye-catching mound of leathery, puckered, heart-shaped leaves with dark bluish-green margins and chartreuse centers that change to yellow in summer. Near-white flowers appear in early summer, rising on scapes 28 in. long (70 cm). Vigorous, it is ideal for the dappled shade border and suitable for planting in mixed containers.

Hosta 'Alligator Alley' (Plantain Lily) forms an eye-catching mound of leathery, puckered, heart-shaped leaves with dark bluish-green margins and chartreuse centers that change to yellow in summer. Near-white flowers appear in early summer, rising on scapes 28 in. long (70 cm). Vigorous, it is ideal for the dappled shade border and suitable for planting in mixed containers.

  • Forms a foliage mound up to 18 in. high (45 cm) and 36 in. wide (90 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
– 9

Heat Zones 2
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 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 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, 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, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden