Species
Hosta ventricosaHosta ventricosa14 other cultivars
‘Touch of Class’Touch of Class Hosta
‘Fragrant Blue’Fragrant Blue Hosta
‘Fragrant Bouquet’Fragrant Bouquet Hosta
‘Guacamole’Guacamole Hosta
‘Blazing Saddles’Blazing Saddles Hosta
‘Gold Standard’Gold Standard Hosta
‘Cameo’Cameo Plantain Lily
‘Erie Magic’Erie Magic Hosta
‘Pilgrim’Pilgrim Plantain Lily
‘Spring Gold’Spring Gold Plantain Lily
‘Abiqua Moonbeam’Abiqua Moonbeam Hosta
‘Lakeside Black Satin’Lakeside Black Satin
‘Whirlwind’Whirlwind Hosta
‘Ki-Ren Jyaku Double Flowering’Ki-Ren Jyaku Double Flowering Hosta
The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta ventricosa is a clump-forming perennial with glossy, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. In summer, it bears scapes of bell-shaped, deep violet flowers. The species is notable for its fertile flowers, which is uncommon among many hosta species.
The 'Aureomaculata' cultivar is distinguished by its spring foliage, which emerges with a creamy-yellow center and dark green margins. This variegation is ephemeral, with the leaves turning a uniform dark green by mid-summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
22"
Width
30"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Bloom period
Late summer – Late fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into shaded soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for best growth.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
- Protect from harsh winter winds with mulch or cover.
Pro Tip
Plant in shady areas with rich, moist soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
- Fertilize annually with organic compost
- Divide in early spring for best results
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not overwater, risk root rot
- Skip fertilizing during late fall and winter
- Do not disturb roots when dividing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Gold-blotched Plantain Lily questions
What zones can Gold-blotched Plantain Lily grow in?
Gold-blotched 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 Gold-blotched Plantain Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Gold-blotched Plantain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Gold-blotched Plantain Lily bloom?
Gold-blotched Plantain Lily typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Gold-blotched Plantain Lily need full sun?
Gold-blotched Plantain Lily does best in part shade.
More Hosta to compare
Blue Mouse Ears Hosta
Hosta cordifolia 'Blue Mouse Ears'
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta plantaginea 'Patriot'
June Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'June'
Fire Island Hosta
Hosta fortunei 'Fire Island'
Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Empress Wu'
Blue Angel Hosta
Hosta plantaginea 'Blue Angel'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Gold-blotched 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.