Plantain Lily, Hosta (Hosta sp. )-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Perennial

Plantain Lily, Hosta
Hosta sp.

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Hosta 'Ginko Craig'
Hosta 'Ginko Craig'
 
Features
An extremely varied group of plants offering neat mounds of foliage in greens, yellows and blue-gray to variegated. Spikes of flowers that often fragrant. A staple of the shade garden. 
 
Culture
Prefer rich organic soils that are moist but well-drained. Does better in light filtered sun while there are a few that will tolerate full sun with moisture.  
 
Cultivars

Hundreds available. Some include:

'Frances William' 2-3 feet tall, green/chartreuse, sun tolerant

'Hadspen Blue' 14-18 inches tall, blue, shade, slug resistance reported

'Green Gold' 2-3 feet tall, green/yellow, shade, slug resistance reported

'Royal Standard' 2-3 feet tall, green, sun tolerant

'Sum of All' 3-4 feet tall, green, sun tolerant, slug resistance reported

'Twilight' 2-3 feet tall, green/gold, shade. slug resistance reported

'Sun Power' 2-4 feet tall, gold, sun tolerant

'Blue Angel' 3-4 feet tall, blue, shade, slug resistance reported

'Maui Buttercup' 10-18 inches tall, yellow, shade, slug resistance reported

'August Moon' 18-24 inches tall, yellow, sun tolerant

'Allan P. McConnell' 12-18 inches tall, green/white, sun tolerant

'Paradigm' 20-24 inches tall, yellow/green, shade, slug resistance reported

 
 
Mature Height
6 Inches - 4 Feet
 
Size
Small
Medium
Tall
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8 
 
Bloom Color
Lavender
White
 
 
Bloom Season
June - August
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
Silver/White
Variegated
Yellow
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Insect Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Anthracnose, botrytis leaf spot, slugs, black vine weevil, grasshoppers, deer
 
Additional Notes
Moist soils with good organic matter content helps to insure quality leaf production.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic