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• Taxonomy
• Physical Description
• Distribution
• Landscaping
• Growth
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Taxonomy

Physical Description

Family Liliaceae:

Herbs perennial, with a rhizome, bulb, or corm, rarely shrubby or treelike. Leaves basal and/or cauline, alternate, opposite, or whorled, parallel or rarely reticulate veined. Inflorescence a raceme, panicle, spike, umbel, reduced panicle, or other, or flowers solitary. Flowers bisexual, rarely unisexual, actinomorphic, rarely zygomorphic; bracts present or absent; bracteoles present or absent. Perianth usually corollalike, 6-merous, rarely 4- or 8-merous, in 2 whorls; segments free (tepals) or united. Stamens 6, rarely 3, 4, or 8, inserted opposite perianth segments; filaments free or adnate to perianth, rarely connate into a corona; anthers usually 2-loculed, basifixed or dorsifixed and versatile, introrse, latrorse, or extrorse, dehiscing usually by vertical slits. Carpels usually connate for most or all of their length, rarely only at base; ovary superior, rarely semi-inferior, 3-loculed, rarely 2- or 4-loculed, with axile placentae, or rarely 1-loculed with a parietal placenta; ovules usually anatropous. Nectaries septal, perigonal, or absent. Fruit a capsule or berry. Seeds with abundant endosperm and small embryo.

About 250 genera and 3500 species: worldwide, especially in temperate and subtropical regions; 57 genera (three endemic, two introduced) and 726 species (379 endemic, 11 introduced) in China.^[1]

Genus Hosta:

Herbs, perennial, scapose, forming dome-shaped clumps, from rhizomes; rhizomes short, branching, sometimes stoloniferous, leaf scars prominent; roots fleshy. Leaves numerous, basal, spiral, distinctly petiolate; petiole sulcate, terete, sometimes ridged; blade light to dark green, often variegated, cordate to orbiculate to lanceolate, smooth to puckered, margins entire, slightly undulate [flat or crisped]; veins campylodromous, conspicuous, usually sunken adaxially, prominent abaxially. Scape usually surpassing leaves. Inflorescences simple, terminal, racemose, usually subsecund, elongate, subtended proximally by 1 or more sterile bracts, each flower usually bracteate. Flowers: perianth tubular to campanulate or urceolate-cylindric [funnelform]; tepals 6, similar, connate proximally into wide-throated tube, white, bluish purple, or purplish violet with darker markings or lines, lobes spreading, sometimes recurved, longer than perianth tube; stamens 6, inserted at base of perianth tube or ovary apex, exceeding tepals; filaments declinate; anthers dorsifixed in connective pits, dehiscence introrse; ovary superior, sessile, 3-locular, oblong, septal nectaries present; style filiform, exceeding stamens; stigma minute, capitate or 3-lobed; pedicel short. Fruits capsular, pendent at maturity, angled, elongate or triangular, dehiscence loculicidal. Seeds numerous, black, flattened, winged. x = 30.

Species ca. 40: introduced; temperate e Asia, especially Japan; cultivated worldwide.

Hosta species delimitation has been problematic due to a long history of cultivation, hybridization, and selection, particularly in Japan, from the eighth century onwards (W. G. Schmid 1991) . Hosta nomenclature is further complicated because many names are based on types of garden origin or sports originating among wild populations. Earlier taxonomic treatments were largely based on materials cultivated regionally in Japan (N. Fujita 1976), North America (L. H. Bailey 1930), Korea (M. G. Chung 1990; M. G. Chung and J. W. Kim 1991), and Europe (N. Hylander 1954) . Hosta can be considered to comprise as few as 23-26 species (F. Maekawa and K. Kaneko 1968; N. Fujita 1976), or 40 or more if a stricter species concept is applied (A. Huxley et al. 1992; F. Maekawa 1940; W. G. Schmid 1991) .

Well over 1000 cultivars have been recorded with the International Registration Authority. Primarily used in temperate shade gardens, these cultivars feature various combinations of leaf size, shape, color, variegation, and texture (P. Aden 1988; D. Grenfell 1996, 1998; N. Hylander 1954; K. Kubitzki 1998b; W. G. Schmid 1991) . While Hosta is mainly of ornamental importance economically, the leaves of some species are cooked and eaten in Korea and Japan, thus depleting local populations. Funkia, a later generic name proposed by Sprengel for these plants, is an illegitimate later homonym of Funckia Wildenow, and the family name Funkiaceae based upon it is therefore invalid (B. Mathew 1988) . However, 'funkia', from the vernacular Japanese fukurin fu, long ago passed into many European languages as another common name for Hosta.^[2]

Flowers: Lilac to white flowers on 18-24" stalks. Blooms in August, September. • Bloom Period: mid

Foliage: Summer foliage: Ovate leaf blades.

Distribution

Landscaping

Landscape Uses: Accent. Border. Mass planting. Companion plants enhance the appearance of a planting of hostas. Early blooming bulbs and perennials are especially nice with emerging hosta leaves. Spring bulb foliage can be hidden after blooming by the larger hosta leaves. Recommended companions include snowdrops, crocus, tulips, daffodils, trillium, anemones, and forget-me-nots. Ferns, hellebores, pulmonarias, and wild gingers are also nice companion plants. In summer months, bright annuals such as impatiens, begonia, and coleus make attractive companion plants. • Care: Easy to grow. Shade tolerant. Amend soil annually with compost, and add a slow-release fertilizer. Remove scape as soon as flowering is completed. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Growth

Culture: Space 9-12" apart.

Soil: Soil: Adapts well to dry or moist conditions. Prefers loose, rich, well-drained moist organic soil. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is preferred.

Sunlight: Sun Exposure: Light Shade.

Moisture: Water Requirements: Average water needs. Water regularly, and keep surface of soil moist, but not soggy. Provide up to 1.5" of water per week (from rain or irrigation) during the growing season.

Temperature: Cold Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. (map)

Similar Species

Members of the genus Hosta:

There are approximately 4,932 species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars in this genus. Here are just 100 of them: H. 'A 1-A-Day Delight' (Hosta) · H. 'A 10 Hut' (Hosta) · H. 'A B-1 Bomber' (Hosta) · H. 'A Big Splash' (Hosta) · H. 'A Blue Streak' (Hosta) · H. 'A Lady in Blue' (Hosta) · H. 'A Many-Splendored Thing' (A Many-Splendored Thing Hosta) · H. 'A Very Good Boy' (Hosta) · H. 'Aachen' (Aachen Hosta) · H. 'Aardvark' (Aardvark Hosta) · H. 'Abba Alive' (Abba Alive Hosta) · H. 'Abba Aloft' (Abba Aloft Hosta) · H. 'Abba At Large' (Abba At Large Hosta) · H. 'Abba Baby Darling' (Abba Baby Darling Hosta) · H. 'Abba Blue Jumbo' (Abba Blue Jumbo Hosta) · H. 'Abba Blue Plus' (Abba Blue Plus Hosta) · H. 'Abba Dabba Darling' (Abba Dabba Darling Hosta) · H. 'Abba Dabba Do Gold' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Dabba Do' (Abba Dabba Do Hosta) · H. 'Abba Dabba Don't' (Abba Dabba Dont Hosta) · H. 'Abba Dew' (Abba Dew Hosta) · H. 'Abba Fit' (Abba Fit Hosta) · H. 'Abba Fragrant Centennial' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Fragrant Cloud' (Abba Fragrant Cloud Hosta) · H. 'Abba High Bidder' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Irresistable Streaked' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Irresistible' (Abba Irresistible Hosta) · H. 'Abba Little Showoff' (Abba Little Showoff Hosta) · H. 'Abba Nova' (Abba Nova Hosta) · H. 'Abba Ready' (Abba Ready Hosta) · H. 'Abba Satellite' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Showtime' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Spellbinder' (Abba Spellbinder Hosta) · H. 'Abba Tops' (Abba Tops Hosta) · H. 'Abba What' (Hosta) · H. 'Abba Windows' (Abba Windows Hosta) · H. 'Abbey Pond Cascades' (Hosta) · H. 'Abby' (Abby Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Ambrosia' (Abiqua Ambrosia Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Ariel' (Abiqua Ariel Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Aries' (Abiqua Aries Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Big Sky' (Abiqua Big Sky Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Crinkles' (Abiqua Blue Crinkles Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Edger' (Abiqua Blue Edger Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Hearts' (Abiqua Blue Hearts Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Jay' (Abiqua Blue Jay Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Jeans' (Abiqua Blue Jeans Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Madonna' (Abiqua Blue Madonna Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Blue Shield' (Abiqua Blue Shield Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Delight' (Abiqua Delight Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' (Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Elephant Ears' (Abiqua Elephant Ears Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Gold Shield' (Abiqua Gold Shield Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Ground Cover' (Abiqua Ground Cover Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Hallucination' (Abiqua Hallucination Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Jim Dandy' (Abiqua Jim Dandy Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Kaleidescope' (Abiqua Kaleidescope Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Miniature' (Abiqua Miniature Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Moonbeam' (Abiqua Moonbeam Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Pagoda' (Abiqua Pagoda Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Paradigm' (Abiqua Paradigm Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Parasol' (Abiqua Parasol Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Recluse' (Abiqua Recluse Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Solitude' (Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Trumpet' (Abiqua Trumpet Hosta) · H. 'Abiqua Zodiac' (Abiqua Zodiac Hosta) · H. 'About Face' (About Face Hosta) · H. 'Academy Ametrine' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Another' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Blue Borealis' (Academy Blue Borealis Hosta) · H. 'Academy Blue Titan' (Academy Blue Titan Hosta) · H. 'Academy Blushing Recluse' (Academy Blushing Recluse Hosta) · H. 'Academy Bonfire Glade' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Chetwood' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Devon Moor' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Dimholt' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Fangorn Forest' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Fire' (Academy Fire Hosta) · H. 'Academy Flaxen Spades' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Flora' (Academy Flora Hosta) · H. 'Academy Galadriel' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Golden Papoose' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Grass Clippings' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Isengard' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Kakistocracy' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Lothlorien' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Mallorn' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Mavrodaphne' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Mirkwood' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Muse' (Academy Muse Hosta) · H. 'Academy Nazgul' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Palantir' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Redundant' (Academy Redundant Hosta) · H. 'Academy Rivendell' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Shiny Vase' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Tousled Turkey' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Verdant Spades' (Hosta) · H. 'Academy Verdant Verge' (Hosta) · H. 'Ace of Spades' (Ace of Spades Hosta) · H. 'Achy Breaky Heart' (Achy Breaky Heart Hosta)

Bibliography

• Chung, M. G. and S. B. Jones. 1989. Pollen morphology of Hosta Tratt. and related genera. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 116: 31-44.
• Currie, H. E. 1992. A Biosystematic Study of the Genus Hosta Tratt. (Liliaceae / Hostaceae) in Eastern Asia. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Georgia.
• Hylander, N. 1960. The genus Hosta. J. Roy. Hort. Soc. 85: 356-369.
• Kirkpatrick, N. S. 1993. A Chloroplast DNA Restriction Mapping Study of the Genus Hosta (Liliaceae). Ph.D. dissertation. Miami University.
• Maekawa, F. 1940. The genus Hosta. J. Fac. Sci. Univ. Tokyo, Sect. 3, Bot. 5: 317-425.
• Maekawa, F. and K. Kaneko. 1968. Evolution of karyotype in Hosta (Liliaceae). J. Jap. Bot. 43: 132-140.
• Schmid, W. G. 1991. The Genus Hosta. Portland.
• Stearn, W. T. 1931. The hostas and funkias: A revision of the plantain lilies. Gard. Chron., ser. 3, 90: 27, 47-49, 88-89, 110.
• Wang Fa-tsuan & Tang Tsin, eds. 1978; 1980. Liliaceae. Fl. Reipubl. Popularis Sin. 15: 1--280; 14: 1--308.

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Notes

Identifiers:

• Zipcode Zoo Species Identifier: 904415

Footnotes:

1. Xinqi Chen, Prof. Song-Yun Liang, Jie-mei Xu, David E. Boufford, Michael G. Gilbert, Rudolf V. Kamelin, Shoichi Kawano, Tetsuo Koyama, Elena V. Mordak, Junko Noguchi, Victor G. Soukup, Hiroshi Takahashi, Kamilla G. Tamanian, Minoru N. Tamura & Nicholas J. Turland "Liliaceae". in Flora of China Vol. 24 Page 73. Published by Science Press (Beijing) and Missouri Botanical Garden Press. Online at EFloras.org.
2. Frederick H. Utech "Hosta". in Flora of North America Vol. 26 Page 21, 51, 53, 57, 222, 223. Oxford University Press. Online at EFloras.org.