Interesting Facts
Hosta are endemic to China, Japan, Korea, and Eastern Russia. The United States is home to many Hosta hybrids. 
Hosta 'Fire Island' is a beacon in the garden with screaming yellow leaves with rippled margins. The unique red coloration of the petioles (leaf stems) extends into the base of the leaves for a wonderful contrast. In the summer, the foliage darkens to chartreuse. Hosta 'Fire Island' is a vigorous grower that shows best in full shade.
| Plant Types: | Perennial |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 10 inches to 1 foot 2 inches |
| Width: | 1 foot 6 inches to 1 foot 8 inches |
| Zones: | 3a to 9b |
| Bloom Color: | Purple |
| Bloom Seasons: | Mid summer |
| Leaf Color: | Yellow |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage |
| Shape: | Mounded |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Well-Drained |
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Plant Care
Planting:
When the buds first appear, divide the clumps.
When the buds first appear, divide the clumps.
Plant Growth:
Generally speaking, Plantain Lilies love the shade. A good rule of thumb for this genus is the more white or yellow in the foliage, the less sun tolerant the plant will be. Although Hostas thrive in the shade, in climates where the summers are cool they can do well with moderate levels of sun.
Generally speaking, Plantain Lilies love the shade. A good rule of thumb for this genus is the more white or yellow in the foliage, the less sun tolerant the plant will be. Although Hostas thrive in the shade, in climates where the summers are cool they can do well with moderate levels of sun.
Blooming:
Flowers in the summer with blue or white trumpet shaped flowers that will last for several weeks. Plantain Lilies are primarily grown for their unique foliage, however.
Flowers in the summer with blue or white trumpet shaped flowers that will last for several weeks. Plantain Lilies are primarily grown for their unique foliage, however.
Soil and Irrigation:
Hostas prefer cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water and feed during the growing season.
Hostas prefer cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water and feed during the growing season.
Fertilization:
Use a slow release fertilizer after the first growth.
Use a slow release fertilizer after the first growth.
Pruning:
After blooming, remove flower stalks to promote leaf growth instead of seeding. After the plants die back in fall, remove dead leaves to control diseases and prevent slug infestation.
After blooming, remove flower stalks to promote leaf growth instead of seeding. After the plants die back in fall, remove dead leaves to control diseases and prevent slug infestation.
Pests:
Hostas need to be protected from slugs and snails. Species that have waxy leaves are less attractive to these pests.
Hostas need to be protected from slugs and snails. Species that have waxy leaves are less attractive to these pests.