Hosta 'SUMMER LOVIN'' plantain lily
size/type
low perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,4-0,5m
usual width
0,4-0,8m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-July
location
semi-shade 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:
Summer Lovin‘ is a medium tall plantain lily with two-tone leaves. They are broadly heart-shaped, dark green inside and yellow around towards the margins. The saturation, shade, and amount of yellow colour changes throughout the growing season. From June rise strong stems of about 40 cm height, topped with clusters of pale lavender, broadly funnel-shaped flowers. Grow it as a clump or divide young plants and plant them nearby to create a dense groundcover. 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 05-08-2023
