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

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