Scientific Name
Hosta sieboldiana var. montana (F.Maek.) Zonn.
Common Names
Plantain Lily
Synonyms
Hosta montana, Hosta liliiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Hosta
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Hosta sieboldiana var. montana is a herbaceous perennial that forms large vase-shaped clumps of olive-green, broadly ovate, deeply-veined leaves with a long narrow tip and a lightly-waved edge. They are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Whitish bracts surround the flower buds, which open to very pale-purple flowers carried on up to 4.25 feet (1.3 m) tall stems in late summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 9b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The color of a Hosta's leaves can help determine how much light it prefers. Blue and deep green varieties like deeper shade, while variegated (striped or splotched bicolor leaves) and yellowish varieties require some morning sun. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch Hosta leaves.
Hostas prefer an inch (2.5 cm) of water a week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. If you water by hand, do so early in the day. Burnt leaf tips and drooping leaves are signals of inadequate water.
Rich, slightly acidic, well-draining soil produces the best Hostas. When preparing the planting hole, add organic matter such as compost, manure, leaf mold, or peat moss. Mix well, and do not let manure contact the roots directly because this can cause discoloration of the leaves.
If the soil is poor, apply a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 all-purpose fertilizer according to package directions. Otherwise, topdress with well-rotted manure or compost.
Plant Hostas in spring or fall. Bury the crown slightly so it will stay moist, unless the soil is very heavy, in which case leave the crown at ground level. Leave a depression around the plant so that the water soaks directly toward the root at first waterings.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hostas.
Origin
This variety is native to Japan.
Links
- Back to genus Hosta
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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