Garden hybrid

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

299 other cultivars

perennial

Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily

Hosta x hybrida 'Lemon Meringue'

The Story

Plant Bio

A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial grown for its ornamental foliage. Leaves are ovate to heart-shaped with a bright, lemon-yellow center that lightens to cream, surrounded by a wide, irregular blue-green margin. Scapes of pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers rise above the foliage in mid-summer.

This medium-sized hosta provides excellent color contrast in shade gardens. The leaves have good substance, offering moderate slug resistance. Its bright center illuminates darker garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush greenery and elegant foliage to shaded gardens, providing visual interest year-round.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.

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

15 inches

Width

28 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia (cultivar)

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

Tuck seeds or divisions into shaded soil in early spring
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
Remove dead leaves in fall to tidy the plant
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor
Remove dead foliage in fall

Don't

Avoid full sun exposure which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, poorly draining soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded borderWoodland gardenCool-toned groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraBleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily questions

What zones can Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily grow in?

Lemon Meringue 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 Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily bloom?

Lemon Meringue 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 Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily need full sun?

Lemon Meringue Plantain Lily does best in part shade.