In fact, hostas refers to dozens of species with thousands of varieties in the Hosta genus. While these are sometimes also called plantain lilies, one of the most popular species in the Hosta genus is Hosta plantaginea. This is most-frequently what people have in mind when they mention a plantain lily by name. For more than 200 years, Hosta plantaginea has been a valued addition to European and North American gardens. However, it was cultivated by people in Asian countries such as China long before that. Its large, sweet-smelling flowers and full, lush foliage are distinctive and make this species a favorite among other hostas. Here are some key facts to remember when wondering, “is this plantain lily a Hosta plantaginea or another species in the Hosta genus?”
Hostas come with leaves in a range of colors, some of which are variegated. Hosta plantaginea leaves are bright green and shiny.Hostas can be small (less than a foot tall and a foot wide) or large. Hosta plantaginea can grow to be 2 feet tall and 3 feet across.Hostas are flowering plants, but many bloom with small, purple or blue blossoms. In late summer, Hosta plantaginea has large, white flowers that emit a sweet smell and can be several inches long.
These are just a few notable signs that could help you identify whether you are looking at Hosta plantaginea or another type of hosta. Keep these differences in mind when seeking to determine which plant you are looking at. Now, let’s learn more about where hostas come from. We will cover their history, names, appearance, and cultivation strategies. Let’s go!
Comparing Hosta and Plantain Lily
Description of Hostas
Hosta is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family of Asparagaceae, also known as the asparagus family. The Hosta genus includes dozens of different species, with some taxonomists including over 40 different species in the genus. Hosta plants are widespread and popular among home gardeners and landscapers alike. They are relatively low-maintenance, grow vibrant and lush foliage, and survive in the shade and indirect sunlight. Because they are relatively easy to care for and yield striking results, many different species in the Hosta genus have become well-loved perennials. Plants in the genus Hosta, collectively called hostas are perennials. The dozens of different species also come in varying cultivars with different foliage colors and variegation. Originally from Asia, particularly parts of Japan and Korea, hostas are now common throughout the United States. Most hosta species grow in clumps of 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and the widest species grow no more than 4 feet across. Hostas do flower, but they are cultivated primarily for their foliage and not for their flowers. Hostas are also known collectively as plantain lilies, in situations where the exact species is not specified. However, as described below, plantain lily also refers to a single, notable Hosta species.
Description of Plantain Lilies
The species in the Hosta genus are also known collectively as plantain lilies, and the term Hosta and nickname plantain lily are often used interchangeably. Because of this, it stands to reason that many people would be confused. However, it is important to know that while the Hosta genus includes many different species, the individual plant most often referred to as a plantain lily is one particular species within the genus. This species is Hosta plantaginea. Hosta plantaginea, also known as the August lily or plantain lily, creates fragrant, white blossoms. They typically bloom in August or late summer, giving the plant its nickname of August lily. Though most Hosta species are not known for their flowers, Hosta plantaginea has particularly luminous blossoms that have caused it to gain prominence over other Hosta species for having both lush foliage and beautiful flowers.
Key Differences
All of the plants in the Hosta genus are included under the collective name of hostas. The same group of plants is frequently called plantain lilies. This can lead to immense confusion and lack of clarity when differentiating between the genus Hosta and the particular species Hosta plantaginea. However, there are a few ways you can learn to identify whether someone referring to a plantain lily, is speaking about Hosta plantaginea or simply using the broad term to speak about another type of hosta or hosta more generally. As we will learn, Hosta plantaginea has its own unique history, place of origin, cultivation needs, and distinctive appearance. Let’s discuss these details now!
Hosta vs. Plantain Lily: Name and History
Plants in the Hosta genus are native to East Asia, with multiple species originating from China, Japan, and Korea. It is theorized that the plants originally came from the forests of China. From its origins in China, it then spread throughout Asia. Eventually, at the end of the 1700s and beginning of the 1800s, it was introduced in Europe. First it gained more widespread appeal in Europe in the 1830s. From there, it traveled to North America where it became popular just a few years later. Hosta plantaginea has a notable place in history as the first plant in the Hosta genus to arrive in Europe, brought from Asia by seed to Paris. Just a few years later, Hosta ventricosa arrived in London. French Consul Charles de Guignes sent seeds from Macao to Paris. There, botanists cultivated the seeds under glass. They viewed the Hosta plantaginea plant as a rare and unique specimen. As it was the first hosta to arrive in Europe, scientistis and landscapes saw Hosta plantaginea as an exotic ornamental plant. It then became popular in Paris before spreading throughout Europe and arriving in the United States in the early 1800s. The name hosta came from a botanist named Leopold Trattinnick. Trattinnick, an Austrian, named the genus Hosta in honor of another Austrian botanist named Nicholas Thomas Host in 1812. The name Plantain Lily, on the other hand, is a holdover from a past taxonomic classification. Historically, hostas were classified in the Liliaceae, or lily family, before being reclassified into the Asparagaceae family. Some consider Hosta plantaginea to have a resemblance to Plantago major, also known as the broadleaf plantain or greater plantain. Thus, plantain lily was born: a reference to Hosta plantaginea‘s resemblance to Plantago major and its classification in the Liliaceae family.
Hosta vs. Plantain Lily: Appearance
In general, hostas have lush foliage, which grows in shades from light green to dark green, yellow, or blue-green. Some species are variegated, meaning that they have multiple colors marking the leaves in streaks, spots, or, in the case of many hostas, around the margins of each leaf. Hostas grow ribbed leaves that are large and flat, typically ranging in size from as small as half an inch to 18 inches long to half an inch to 12 inches wide. Hostas blossom with white, blue, or purple tubular blooms. These flowers emerge from scapes at the tip of leaf stalks. A typical size for the plant to grow to is between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet across. Hosta plantaginea, or plantain lily, blossoms with luscious white flowers. These make the plant distinctive! These grow to be 3 to 4 inches long and are tubular or trumpet-like. These flowers bloom during the late summer to early fall, emerging off of scapes from heart-shaped green or yellow-green leaves. These leaves are typically up to 11 inches long and 7 or 8 inches wide. The whole plantain lily plant grows to be up to 2 feet tall and as large as 3 or 4 feet across.
Hosta vs. Plantain Lily: Cultivation
Growing Your Hosta
Hostas gained popularity in part for being easy to grow, tolerant of partial to full shade, and adaptable to a broad range of soil conditions. In general, hostas grow well in moist soils, with watering directly to the soil. Hostas are easy to maintain in part because they are resistant to pests and have large leaves that crowd out weeds. However, problems to look out for include snails and slugs that will devour the lush foliage, and leaf spot or crown rot which can infect individual hostas and cause them to decay. Gardeners throughout the United States will love growing hostas, which grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 and can tolerate cooler conditions, as resilient perennials. However, be mindful of the sun your hostas are exposed to! Your hosta plants will fade in color if they receive too much sun. In fact, many hosta species will thrive in shady areas. If you see your hosta fading in color or changing the color of its leaves, you may have overwatered it. On the other hand, the change in coloration could also be the result of too much light. Try moving your plant to a shadier area with moist but well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. You may choose to plant or divide your hostas, ideally before the leaves unfurl in the spring or early fall. You may divide them by cutting part of the hosta plant at its roots or by separating part of the clump altogether, planting the sections several feet apart to give them room to grow. After you divide your hosta plant into two or more sections, allow it to grow undisturbed for several years in order for the new plants to establish themselves and thrive.
Growing Your Plantain Lily
Cultivating a Hosta plantaginea, or plantain lily, will allow you to grow a plant of bright green leaves that blossoms with fragrant, pleasant-smelling flowers. Like other Hosta species, the plantain lily is a perennial plant that thrives in conditions of partial to full shade. However, it can also do well in sunnier parts of the yard or garden. Hosta plantaginea will also grow well in fertile, moist soil and cooler temperatures. It is best to shelter it from harsh winds and protect it from pests like slugs and snails. Like other hostas, Hosta plantaginea generally thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, allowing gardeners to enjoy it throughout the different climates of the United States.
Hosta and Plantain Lily Varieties
If you consider planting a hosta, you may want to consider some of the features of different varieties. Here are some unique options to consider:
Empress Wu: One of the largest hosta varieties, growing to be up to 4 or 5 feet tall.Blue Mouse Ears: A small variety, growing to be only about 6 inches tall.Wide Brim: A variegated variety with dark blue-green centers and cream edges. This variety grows purple flowers in the summer.Island Breeze: Dubbed the “hosta of the year” in 2022, this small variety grows golden-colored leaves with green margins in the spring.Sum and Substance: A great option for anyone wanting the look of a hosta in a sunnier part of the garden, this variety thrives in full sun.
In Summary
Today, you have many different hosta plants to choose from. You can select your hosta species depending on your preference for the foliage color, size of the plant, and where you hope to grow it in your garden or yard. You can even choose a variety that has variegated leaves, such as the Minuteman or Patriot varieties, which are white or yellow-colored on the edges. As a low-maintenance perennial, your hosta plants will come back each year, with foliage that grows from spring to fall. However, if you are looking for a hosta that will give you large, fragrant flowers, you may want to choose Hosta plantaginea. It is exceptional among other hostas for having beautiful blossoms that emit a lovely fragrance.
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