Hosta Rainbows End (Plantain Lily)

Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’ (Plantain Lily) is a small, low-growing perennial forming a dense, unruly mound of thick, rubbery, lance-shaped, bright yellow leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), with dark green margins. As the season progresses, the center brightens to creamy white. Racemes of dark lavender, tubular flowers appear on showy red scapes reaching 20 in. (50 cm) in late summer. Slow-growing, this small hosta is perfect at the front of a border, in a rock garden or as an edging.

Hosta 'Rainbow's End' (Plantain Lily) is a small, low-growing perennial forming a dense, unruly mound of thick, rubbery, lance-shaped, bright yellow leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), with dark green margins. As the season progresses, the center brightens to creamy white. Racemes of dark lavender, tubular flowers appear on showy red scapes reaching 20 in. (50 cm) in late summer. Slow-growing, this small hosta is perfect at the front of a border, in a rock garden or as an edging.

  • Named Hosta of the Year by The American Hosta Growers Association (2021).
  • Grows up to 11 in. tall (27 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 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, rock gardens or containers. Great for edging 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 1
– 8

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 11"
(28cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 20″ (50cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden