Hosta (Hosta spp.) is a groundcover plant, typically with showy foliage and white or lavender blooms in summer. They prefer average to moist soil and full-to-part shade where they can grow from 1-3 feet tall, depending on cultivar. They are a good choice for shaded bioretention slopes. Companion plants include Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) and Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica).
Maintenance
In poorly drained soils, crown rot can be an issue. Slugs may damage foliage. Cut flower stalks down post-bloom if desired for aesthetics. Otherwise, few major maintenance concerns.
About
Light Requirements
Part Sun,
Shade Moisture Requirements
Slopes Soil Requirements
Loam,
Organically Rich Soil Height
Short Spacing
1 to 3 feet Category
Groundcover Attracts
Bees Illinois Native Plant Status
Not Native Bloom Time
June,
July Bloom Color
Lavender,
White Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer Sociability
Groups of 5-10 Other Notable Cultivars & Varieties
Hosta 'Neptune'; Hosta 'Island Breeze'; Hosta 'Rainbow's End'; Hosta 'Dancing Queen'; Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print'; Hosta 'Brother Stefan'; Hosta 'Curly Fries'