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Asparagaceae
Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea
Devotion in the shade and quiet elegance.
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Hosta
- Native to
- China
- Bloom season
- Late Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 40–70 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Water
- moderate to high
- Hardiness
- 3–9
- Lifespan
- perennial; decades
Did you know
- Hosta plantaginea is the only hosta species with fragrant flowers, a sweet honeysuckle-like scent that fills evening gardens.
- The name 'plantain lily' comes from the broad leaves resembling plantain (Plantago), though they are unrelated.
- In China, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and appears in Song Dynasty poetry and paintings.
- Hostas are the best-selling perennial in the United States, with over 6,000 registered cultivars.
- Young hosta shoots called 'urui' are a traditional spring vegetable in Japan, blanched and served with miso.
Color meanings
White
pure devotion and loyalty