The short answer

Quick Answer

Hosta (Plantain Lily) thrives in full shade on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 30cm to 1m across depending on variety. Hardy to around -30°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Cut flower spikes if you do not want them. Cut all foliage to the ground after frost

How: Cut flower spikes at base. Cut foliage to ground in late autumn

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: China, Japan and Korea

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Brought to Europe in the 1700s. Named after Nicolaus Thomas Host, an Austrian botanist

Folklore: In Japan, hostas are sometimes eaten as a vegetable. The young shoots are harvested in spring

Fun fact: There are over 3,000 registered hosta cultivars. They are grown mainly for foliage but the flowers attract bees

Historical medicinal uses: None significant. Some species are eaten in Asia

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the bell-shaped flowers, especially long-tongued bumblebees [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 3 out of 10 Low for flowers, but provides shelter under leaves[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Peak foliage May to September. Flowers July to August[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with ferns, hellebores, astilbe and dicentra

Pest control: Slugs and snails are the main problem. See our article on restoring overgrown gardens for slug control approaches

Common diseases and issues: Hosta virus X, slug damage, vine weevil larvae on roots. See RHS hosta virus advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

For slug-prone gardens, we plant hostas in large pots with copper tape around the rim. A gravel mulch on top of the compost also deters egg-laying snails.

CGM guides mentioning Hosta (Plantain Lily)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Hosta (Plantain Lily) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Hosta (Plantain Lily)

How Hosta (Plantain Lily) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hydrangea, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Astilbe, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hellebores (Lenten Rose), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Epimedium (Barrenwort), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders

Avoid planting beside

  • Lavender, conflicting growing conditions
  • Rosemary, conflicting growing conditions
  • Thyme, conflicting growing conditions

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Hosta (Plantain Lily).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Hosta (Plantain Lily) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Hosta (Plantain Lily) (Hosta species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Hosta species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Asparagaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Seberg O, Petersen G, Davis JI, et al. (2012). Phylogeny of the Asparagales. Aliso, 30(2), 77-84.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Asparagaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the bell-shaped flowers, especially long-tongued bumblebees") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low for flowers, but provides shelter under leaves") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Peak foliage May to September. Flowers July to August".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the bell-shaped flowers, especially long-tongued bumblebees"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Hosta (Plantain Lily)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low for flowers, but provides shelter under leaves") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Hosta (Plantain Lily)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Asparagaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Hosta (Plantain Lily). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Hosta (Plantain Lily). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Hosta (Plantain Lily). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Hosta (Plantain Lily) performs well locally

Towns where Hosta (Plantain Lily) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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