Introducing...
Hosta
Common name: Plantain lily
Among the best of all foliage plants (summer flowers are a bonus), hostas vary from large plants to more diminutive types that are suitable for rock gardens. All thrive in shade and make good container plants. They have a reputation for being loved by slugs and snails, so choose your hosta carefully to minimise the holes or consider controlling these pests.
Growing guide
How to grow hostas
All the information you’ll need to grow & care for hostas in your garden.
Hostas we recommend
Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans
giant blue hosta
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'
plantain lily 'Blue Mouse Ears'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' (v)
plantain lily 'Orange Marmalade'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans
giant blue hosta
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'
plantain lily 'Blue Mouse Ears'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hosta 'Orange Marmalade' (v)
plantain lily 'Orange Marmalade'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
prev
next
Useful advice
Perennials: dividing
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
Slugs
Snails
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.