Growing Guide
 
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Hosta, Lance Leaf

Herbaceous Perennial Flower

Hosta lancifolia
Liliaceae Family

Has a somewhat plain appearance, but is reliable and hardy. Leaves are long, pointed, and glossy, and plants bear purple flowers in late summer that last into fall.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • part shade
  • full shade
Prefers part shade. Tolerates heavy shade. Full morning sun is usually beneficial.

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
  • tolerates damp soil
In addition to being well-drained, soil must also be kept moist. If allowed to dry out hostas produce smaller leaves which turn brown and papery around the edges.

Hardiness zones:

  • 3 to 8
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 1 to 1.5 feet

Spread: 1.5 to 2.5 feet

Bloom time: late summer

Flowers stay through autumn.

Flower color: violet

Foliage color: medium green

Leaves are pure green, glossy on both sides and are about 4 to 7” long.

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: cushion, mound or clump

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - Japan
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by division or separation - Divide in spring when the leaves are first coming up. Divide only if necessary, after the plant has matured in 4 to 5 years.

Maintenance and care:
Hostas are generally easy to take care of as long as they are given partial shade and lots of moisture.

More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests:
Slugs -- Remove dead leaves and weed around plants to reduce problems.

Black vine weevils

Diseases:
Leaf spot and crown rot -- Minimize moisture on leaves by avoiding overhead watering and watering early in the day so the leaves dry quickly.
Varieties
var. viridis marginata is smaller with yellow leaves and a narrow green margin.