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Hosta plantaginea /ˈhoʊstə/

Common name: August lily · Fragrant plantain lily · Fragrant hosta

Hosta plantaginea is a herbaceous perennial in the family Asparagaceae, native to southern and southeastern China. It forms a clump of glossy, bright green, heart-shaped leaves and is prized for its large, pure white, tubular flowers that open in late summer and are among the most strongly scented of any hosta. Long cultivated in Chinese gardens and introduced to Europe around 1780, it is widely grown both as a garden plant and as the source of fragrance in many hosta hybrids.

Fun facts

  • Its white flowers are strongly fragrant — unusual among hostas — and often open toward evening, perfuming the night garden.
  • It tolerates more heat and direct sun than almost any other hosta species, making it a parent of many sun-tolerant hybrids.
  • Nearly every fragrant hosta cultivar in commerce, such as 'Fragrant Bouquet', owes its scent to this species.
  • It blooms in August (hence "August lily"), later than most hostas, which flower in early summer.

Care summary

Sun Light shade; tolerates more sun than most hostas
Water Keep evenly moist; dislikes drying out
Soil Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained
Hardiness Zones 3–9
Mature height About 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)
Pet safe No — toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Propagate by division in early spring as the shoots emerge, or in early autumn. Lift the clump and cut it into sections with a sharp spade or knife, each with several shoots and roots, then replant in rich, moist soil and water well.

Make your own August lily · Fragrant plantain lily · Fragrant hosta profile

Common problems

    • Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants
    • Remove debris and hiding places nearby
    • Water in the morning, not evening
    • Move plants to a shadier spot
    • Keep soil evenly moist in summer
    • Improve soil drainage before replanting
    • Avoid planting the crown too deep
    • Install fencing or apply repellents
    • Protect young plants with mesh covers