August Lily
Hosta plantaginae

Family: Funkiaceae

What it is like

Hosta plantaginae is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Forests, grassy slopes and rocky places from near sea level to 2200 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves and leaf stems - cooked. One report suggests the plant may be poisonous.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The flowers are said to have anticancer activity.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil is obtained from the leaves, used in perfumery. A useful ground cover plant, succeeding in dense shade, though rather slow spreading. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Thrives in most fertile soils if they are rich in humus. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy ones. Very limy soils inhibit growth, but plants can thrive in such a situation if plenty of humus is added. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7. Requires a rich soil that does not dry out readily. Succeeds in full sun as well as in deep shade, growing well in the semi-shade of a woodland. In general, the sunnier the position the moister the soil should be. Plants are best not grown under trees in town gardens since the soot washed from the leaves of the trees in wet weather will tend to remain on the hosta. Plants flower better when grown in a sunny position but the foliage is better when the plant is in a shady position. This species tolerates quite a lot of sun. Plants are in general fully hardy in Britain, but young leaves in spring can be destroyed by frost. New leaves are only produced in the spring and very early summer, so any damage at this time has a deep effect on the plant. The plant forms open clumps. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Plants are very attractive to slugs and snails, the young shoots in spring are especially at risk. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties. The flowers open in the evening and have a delicious lily-like fragrance. The plant only flowers well when grown in a warm position, and is not really satisfactory when grown in most areas north of London.. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. Make sure you keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division is possible at almost any time of the year so long as there is sufficient moisture. It is best carried out in March as growth commences or in early autumn if the soil is not too dry. Hostas can be left undivided for many years and should not be divided any more frequently than once every 3 - 5 years to allow the leaves to reach maturity.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

One report suggests the plant may be poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. subcordata.