Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Ridiculously easy-to-grow and long-lived, Hostas (Plantain Lilies) are shade-loving perennials that are highly prized by gardeners for their elegance and attractive foliage. Native to eastern Asia, these low-maintenance foliage plants are fabulous for shady areas and combine beautifully with other shade perennials such as Astilbe, Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart), Ferns, Tiarella (Foam Flower), or Hydrangea.

• The world of Hostas is incredibly rich in terms of size, color, texture, and leaf shape. There are thousands of Hosta cultivars available reflecting their immense popularity with gardeners, and new varieties are legion. There is surely a Hosta to suit your garden or landscape situation.
• Foliage colors range from chartreuse to deep emerald green, greenish gold, gray and blue, with many stunning variegated Hostas whose color varies with soil type and climate. Leaves may be puckered, wavy-edged, heart-shaped, lance-shaped, glossy, or dull.
• Growing from 6 inches to 3 feet tall (15-90 cm), the attractive foliage is topped in early-mid summer with taller funnel-shaped or flared flowers, in shades of white, lavender, or purple. Some flowers are even sweetly fragrant.
• Part shade to full shade lovers, Hostas are best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Some are sun tolerant with adequate moisture. These plants are not fussy about soils and tolerate a wide range of conditions.
• Quite versatile, Hostas are perfect for shade gardens, mixed with other perennials in beds and borders, as groundcovers, edging plants, underplanting shrubs, or in containers.
• 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.
• Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.