Hostas - Hosta (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Hostas

Hostas are native to East Asia and are cultivated around the world because of their attractive foliage and white, blue, or lilac flowers. The nickname "hostas" comes from the plants' resemblance to plantain weeds, which have similarly broad leaves.

Scientific classification

Genus

Hostas (Hosta)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

45 cm

Plant Height

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Hostas

Species

August lily Plantain lily Blue plantain lily Siebold's plantain lily Plantain lilies 'Empress Wu'Plantain lilies 'Humpback Whale'Hosta clausa Plantain lilies 'Rhino Hide'Plantain lilies 'Krossa Regal'Hosta fortunei 'Francee’Plantain lilies 'Whirlwind'Plantain lilies 'Autumn Frost'Plantain lilies 'Alligator Alley'Hosta hybrid Halcyon hosta Fragrant plantain lily 'Grandiflora'Plantain lilies 'August Moon'Plantain lilies 'Wide Brim'Plantain lilies 'Dancing Queen'Plantain lilies 'Sagae'Plantain lilies 'Designer Genes'Plantain lilies 'Mini Skirt'Plantain lilies 'Paul's Glory'Plantain lilies 'First Frost'Plantain lilies 'Patriot'Plantain lily 'Frances Williams'Plantain lilies 'Fire and Ice'Plantain lilies 'Blue Moon'Plantain lilies 'Golden Tiara'Plantain lilies 'Purple Heart'Plantain lilies 'Praying Hands'Plantain lilies 'Magic Island'Plantain lilies 'Halcyon'Plantain lilies 'Minuteman'Plantain lilies 'Liberty'Plantain lilies 'Brother Stefan'Plantain lilies 'Stiletto'Plantain lilies 'Rainforest Sunrise'Plantain lilies 'Sum and Substance'Plantain lilies 'Blue Ivory'Plantain lilies 'Color Festival'Plantain lilies 'Revolution'Plantain lilies 'Fire Island'Plantain lilies 'Devon Green'Plantain lilies 'Orange Marmalade'Plantain lilies 'Victory'Plantain lilies 'Love Pat'Plantain lilies 'Shade Fanfare'Plantain lilies 'Mama Mia'Plantain lilies 'Undulata'Plantain lilies 'Great Expectations'Plantain lilies 'Enterprise'Plantain lilies 'Stained Glass'Plantain lilies 'Vulcan'Plantain lilies 'Prairie Sky'Plantain lilies 'American Halo'Gold-edged plantain lily Plantain lilies 'June'Plantain lilies 'Hadspen Blue'Plantain lilies 'Cool as a Cucumber'Plantain lilies 'Gold Standard'Plantain lilies 'Blue Mouse Ears'Plantain lilies 'Guacamole'Plantain lilies 'Elegans'

Quickly Identify Hostas

Basal rosette of large, fleshy leaves with sheathing bases and parallel veins.

Flowers with bell-shaped white or lilac perianth tubes and salverform-campanulate to funnelform shapes.

Distinctive tubular corollas that flare into bell shapes at the apex.

Petioles sulcate and subpeltate, forming clumps up to 2.5 feet tall (75 cm).

Leafy bracts on scapose racemes with persisting bracts, creating visually striking inflorescences.

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Care Guide for Hostas

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full shade

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from shaded woodlands, hostas thrive in consistently moist environments. They prefer evenly moist soil, requiring regular watering every 1-2 weeks. Water needs vary by growing season, with adequate moisture during spring and summer crucial for lush foliage development.

Propagation: Propagation of hostas is primarily achieved through division, ideally in early spring or fall. It thrives in well-draining, organic-rich soil with partial to full shade. Key steps include careful root handling, separating divisions, and maintaining consistent moisture for successful establishment.

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Learn More About Hostas

How to Grow and Care

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