Hosta lancifolia
narrow-leaved plantain lily
A compact herbaceous perennial, forming a dense clump of mid-dark green, lance-shaped leaves, shiny above and glossy below, to 10-15cm in length. Narrowly funnel-shaped purple flowers are borne on leafy, red-spotted stems to 50cm in height
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in part shade with shelter from cold, dry winds. See hosta cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in late summer or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil
Diseases
May be subject to a virus
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