Hosta 'BANANA KID' plantain lily
size/type
low or groundcovering,low perennial
usual height
0,3-0,5m
usual width
0,4-0,6m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun to shade
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Plantain lilies are reliable perennials from East Russia, Korea, China, and Japan. In the wild they grow in various locations – along rocky streambanks, in alpine meadows, as well as in not too shaded woodland. They are cultivated for their bold foliage, often variegated, and bell-shaped flowers in summer.
Description of the plant:
Banana Kid is a plantain lily variety with medium to large, broadly heart-shaped to almost rounded leaves with prominent midribs and a pointed tip. Their colour changes throughout the season from bright green to banana yellow. In midsummer rise strong, abt. 40 cm tall stems topped with terminal racemes composed of chubby bell-shaped, pale lavender violet flowers. Grow it as a clump or divide young plants and plant them nearby to create a dense groundcover. It is a sport of Lakeside Banana Bay, discovered and introduced by G. Heemskerk in 2014.Hostas need constantly moist, fertile soil that never dries out – keep it always mulched. They respond well to fertilizing and produce stronger foliage and denser tufts. Ideal location is partial shade, or full sun with some shade during the day. Full shade is fine but plants may not flower as freely or at all. Drought can result in weakened plants that will be prone to diseases, and combination of drought and full sun will damage most variegated cultivars. Beware of slugs and snails who come to feast on their leaves without an invitation. Being deciduous, remove all wilted foliage from previous year in early spring and make sure not too damage emerging bourgeons. They cope well with polluted environment in cities. Hardy to about -40 °C (USDA zone 3).
Last update 07-08-2023
