Plantain lily Hosta plantaginea

Plantain lily is an herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family that is native to China and has fragrant, large, white flowers and lime-green foliage. This plant grows in clumps from 1 to 2 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. The genus name Hosta, honors an Austrian botanist Nicholas Host. The specific epithet, plantaginea, refers to its resemblance to a plantain.

Plantain lily thrives in sites with deep to partial shade and moist soils with good drainage and high organic matter.  Locations with full sun may be used as planting sites in cooler climates, providing proper moisture is maintained.  

They are considered to be the best flowers in the Hosta genus due to their showy appearance and fragrance, and they are frequently used as a cut flowers.. As well as being the most fragrant, they are also among the largest and measure up to 3 to 4" long.  These showy trumpet-shaped blooms open in the evening, showing off their waxy white blooms and will attract hummingbirds and pollinators.

After blooming has occurred, it is recommended that the stems be cut off to encourage new plant growth. Maintenance should include removing discolored leaves at ground level. Propagation is done by division in either the spring or fall; however, the take is easiest in the early part of the spring before the unfurling of the foliage. 

Plantain lily is an excellent plant for locations such as walkways, slopes, banks, and small spaces. Plant it in mass in perennial beds or naturalized areas, as a border or edging, or in pond, rock, pollinator, or shade gardens. It is the most heat and sun tolerant of the hosta species and slightly salt-tolerant. The plant's dense habit can help to keep weeds at bay.  

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Late Summer and Early Fall           Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• medium-sized hosta with large, fragrant white flowers and heart-shaped lime-green foliage
• flowers on scapes up to 30 inches long
• Acaulescent herb with parallel-veined leaves
• Petioles sheathing, sulcate, sub peltate
• Inflorescence scapose raceme, leafy-bracteate
• Corollas tubular abruptly bell-shaped apically

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for snails, slugs, and nematodes. Deer and rabbits enjoy the foliage. Leaf spot and crown rot rarely occur. Plants may become infected with the Hosta Virus X, tobacco rattle virus, or tomato ring spot virus. If any of these are detected, the plant should be removed and destroyed. Voles may destroy the plant by eating the roots. Hail storms may damage exposed leaves. All parts of this plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.