Hosta plantaginea (Plantain Lily)

Grown for both its lovely foliage and heavily fragrant flowers, Hosta plantaginea is a remarkable Plantain Lily. It forms an attractive, dense mound of glossy, bright green leaves, broadly oval, with parallel veins and a quilted surface, and enlivens any shady areas of the garden. They are elegantly topped in late summer and early fall with some of the largest flowers among the Hosta genus, up to 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm), and are also considered among the most fragrant of all Hostas.

Grown for both its lovely foliage and heavily fragrant flowers, Hosta plantaginea is a remarkable Plantain Lily. It forms an attractive, dense mound of glossy, bright green leaves, broadly oval, with parallel veins and a quilted surface, and enlivens any shady areas of the garden. They are elegantly topped in late summer and early fall with some of the largest flowers among the Hosta genus, up to 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm), and are also considered among the most fragrant of all Hostas. Opening in the evening, the trumpet-shaped, waxy, white blossoms rise on scapes up to 30 in. (75 cm) and are divinely eye-catching.

  • Erect and spreading, Hosta plantaginea is a garden perennial that grows up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • Performs best in sun, part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun all day in cooler climates as long as sufficient moisture is provided. 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.
  • 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 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden