Plantain Lily
Hosta x hybrida 'Little Devil'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers average to high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Northeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
The Story
Plant Bio
Hostas are clump-forming, herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their ornamental foliage. They are a classic choice for shady gardens, producing spikes of lily-like, often fragrant, flowers in summer. A miniature hosta cultivar that forms a dense mound of narrow, lance-shaped, wavy-edged, medium green leaves. Spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear in mid-summer on scapes rising above the foliage.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young plants into well-prepared shade garden beds
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain health
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Divide every few years to promote healthy growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds
Don't
- Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Plantain Lily questions
What zones can Plantain Lily grow in?
Plantain Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Plantain Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Plantain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Plantain Lily bloom?
Plantain Lily typically blooms in mid-summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Plantain Lily need full sun?
Plantain Lily does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'
Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'
Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Plantain Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
