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Herbaceous Perennial

Hosta 'Saint Elmo's Fire' (v)

plantain lily 'Saint Elmo's Fire'

A clump-forming deciduous perennial to 40cm high, with ovate, slightly glossy leaves that open bright yellow and mature to green, with a fine white margin and deep veining. Produces loose clusters of tubular, pale purple flowers on tall, upright stems in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green White
Summer Purple Yellow Green White
Autumn Yellow Green White
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Hosta are clump-forming herbaceous perennials with simple, ovate or lance-shaped leaves, often attractively coloured or variegated, and erect racemes of nodding, funnel or bell-shaped flowers in early summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile soil that does not dry out, in a lightly shaded spot away from direct sun and with shelter from cold, drying winds. Mulch annually in spring. Hostas in the ground may need watering during dry spells. See hosta cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails; container grown plants may be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to virus diseases

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