Hosta spp.

Hosta spp.  (Hosta, Plantain lily)



Pronunciation: HOSS-tuh
Family: Asparagaceae 
Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Zone: 4
Origin: Garden
……..
Mature size
  Height: 40 - 70 cm
  Spread: 60 - 100 cm
Habit: Arching - Spreading
Form: mounded
Texture: very coarse 
Exposure - part to full shade, intolerant to full sun
Preferred soil - (prone to crown rot) likes well drained
Landscape uses - container planting, woodland, early spring interest,
……..
Leaves
Arrangement:  basal
Shape: ovate 
Size: varies, dependent on cultivar
Margin: entire 
Characteristics:
Colour: green variations 
hosta, plantain lily………
Flowers
Inflorescence type: spike
Colour: various
Size: 5-10 cm
Time: spring
………
Stem
Colour: green
Description: strong stiffly upright
………
Fruit type: capsule 
Colour: brown black
Time: September, October 
………
Propagation -  division, separate
Comments - most popular garden plant in North America 
- astilbe's, bleeding hearts, ferns are all great companion plants
- shoots are eaten as vegetables in Korea, used as a perfume 
- anti-cancer properties 
Pests - slugs
 - toxic to dogs, cats, horses, 

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