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

Quill Plantain Lily

Hosta x hybrida 'Quill'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hostas are herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful, often variegated foliage that comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They produce spikes of lily-like, bell-shaped flowers in summer.

A small hosta cultivar noted for its very narrow, lance-shaped, wavy, blue-green leaves that form an upright, spiky mound. The foliage resembles quills, giving the plant its name. Tall scapes of light lavender flowers appear in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, textured foliage year-round, especially in shaded gardens.

Erosion control on shady slopes.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators.

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

10 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded spot with rich, well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or division material in early spring or fall.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Keep soil consistently moist for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide in early spring or fall

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded border with silvery foliageTextural contrast in perennial bedsGroundcover beneath trees

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraCoral bells Japanese forest grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Quill Plantain Lily questions

What zones can Quill Plantain Lily grow in?

Quill 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 Quill Plantain Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Quill Plantain Lily bloom?

Quill Plantain Lily typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Quill Plantain Lily need full sun?

Quill Plantain Lily does best in part shade.