Hosta 'EARTH ANGEL' plantain lily
size/type
low or groundcovering,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,4-1m
usual width
0,8-1,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
semi-shade / partial sun
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:
Earth Angel is a fantastic plantain lily found by Hans A. Hansen from Walters Gardens, USA, as a sport of Blue Angel variety. It makes large, 30x25 cm, broadly heart-shaped, distinctly ribbed, dark green leaves with silvery blue hues and irregular, rather broad margins which are yellow-green in spring and fade to pale banana yellow to ivory in summer. From midsummer rise thin but sturdy, 70-100 cm tall stems with profuse, terminal panicles composed of narrowly funnel-shaped, almost white flowers tinted pale lavender. Grow it as a clump or divide young plants and plant them nearby to create a dense groundcover. Earth Angel resists pests but dislikes growing in a pot.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 27-02-2022
