Hosta First Mate (Plantain Lily)
Vigorous, Hosta ‘First Mate’ (Plantain Lily) is a small hosta variety with stunningly variegated foliage. It forms attractive, dense mounds of long, narrow, heavily rippled leaves with dark green margins and creamy-yellow centers. Star-like lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising on scapes 24 in. long (60 cm)
Vigorous, Hosta 'First Mate' (Plantain Lily) is a small hosta variety with stunningly variegated foliage. It forms attractive, dense mounds of long, narrow, heavily rippled leaves with dark green margins and creamy-yellow centers. Star-like lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising on scapes 24 in. long (60 cm) but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely foliage.
- Easy grower, Hosta 'First Mate' has a more upright habit, displaying its showy leaves as it creates mounds up to 10 in. tall (25 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. 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 |
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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 | 9" – 10" (22cm – 25cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, 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 |