Hosta nigrescens

RHS Plant Profile
black plantain lily

Other common names

black hosta

Herbaceous Perennial

A large, clump-forming deciduous perennial to 70cm high, with an upright habit and ovate, grey-green leaves that are thick and textured. Produces loose clusters of funnel-shaped flowers, usually white or sometimes flushed with pale purple, and held on very tall, upright stems, sometimes to 1.5m high, in late summer

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile soil that does not dry out, in a shady 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

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

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