Hosta ventricosa
blue plantain lily
A robust herbaceous perennial making a large clump of wavy-edged, dark glossy green heart-shaped leaves to 18cm in length. Deep purple bell-shaped flowers are borne on erect stems to 90cm in late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 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
- 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
Remove spent foliage as required and clear up dead foliage when it dies back at the end of the growing season
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails; plants in pots may be susceptible to vine weevil
Diseases
May be subject to a virus
Get involved
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