Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

298 other cultivars

perennial

Little Devil Plantain Lily

Hosta x hybrida 'Little Devil'

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.

Uses & Benefits:

Beautiful shade-loving foliage adds texture and color to garden beds and borders.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports beneficial insects and adds organic matter to the soil.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

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

Bloom period

Mid-summer

In flower about 1 month of the year

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

Shaded border with silvery foliageGroundcover in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns Heuchera LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Devil Plantain Lily questions

What zones can Little Devil Plantain Lily grow in?

Little Devil 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 Little Devil Plantain Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Devil Plantain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Little Devil Plantain Lily bloom?

Little Devil 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 Little Devil Plantain Lily need full sun?

Little Devil Plantain Lily does best in part shade.