Hosta Drop-Dead Gorgeous (Plantain Lily)

Hosta ‘Drop-Dead Gorgeous’ (Plantain Lily) is a huge clump-forming perennial forming an attractive mound of large, ovate, green leaves with brightly contrasting yellow margins. The margins are heavily rippled and give the leaves a lightly wavy effect. Bell-shaped, white flowers appear in midsummer, rising on scapes 28-41 in. tall (70-102 cm), but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely variegated foliage. Fast-growing, this giant hosta makes a striking specimen in the shade garden.

Hosta 'Drop-Dead Gorgeous' (Plantain Lily) is a huge clump-forming perennial forming an attractive mound of large, ovate, green leaves with brightly contrasting yellow margins. The margins are heavily rippled and give the leaves a lightly wavy effect. Bell-shaped, white flowers appear in midsummer, rising on scapes 28-41 in. tall (70-102 cm), but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely variegated foliage. Fast-growing, this giant hosta makes a striking specimen in the shade garden.

  • Grows 30 in. tall (75 cm) and 86 in. wide (215 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. Great as a specimen plant.
  • 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, 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 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 7'
– 8'
(210cm
– 240cm)
Spacing 84″
– 96″
(210cm
– 240cm)
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
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden