Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Hosta fortunei or Siebold's plantain lily

The genus Hosta, family Asparagaceae, includes about 40 species of rhizomatous herbaceous plants native to northeast Asia. Some species are: Hosta fortunei, Hosta ventricosa, Hosta capitata, Hosta clausa, Hosta sieboldii, Hosta venusta, Hosta plantaginea.

Common name: Siebold's plantain lily. This species is native to Japan.

They are elegant herbaceous plants that reach 70 cm (27.55") in height. The large, decorative oval leaves can be dark green or deep green with cream, white, or light green margins. The flowers appear in hanging clusters of lilac color above the leaves. They bloom in late spring or early summer.

They are used next to ponds and lakes, in clear undergrowths, on borders and in pots for patios and terraces.

Hosta fortunei needs a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day. The ideal average temperature is 10-20 ºC (50-68 ºF) but they can grow in hotter regions.

The soil must be rich in humus, be lightly drained and be able to retain moisture; for example a mixture of 1/3 of normal garden soil, 1/3 of coarse sand and 1/3 of leaf or peat mulch. The transplant is done in spring or autumn.

Water frequently in spring and summer but without flooding. Starting in autumn, reduce watering slightly and in winter water enough so that the substrate never dries out completely.

Fertilize in autumn with manure and in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer every 30 days to promote flowering.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but they can be attacked by snails and slugs.

They are easily propagated by division in fall or spring and from seed sown in spring but it is a slow process.

Images of the plant Hosta fortunei or Siebold's plantain lily