Tattle Tails Plantain Lily
Hosta x hybrida 'Tattle Tails'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
7 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Northeast Asia
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta 'Tattle Tails' is a small, herbaceous perennial forming a mound of narrow, lance-shaped, wavy-edged leaves. The leaves are medium green with creamy yellow to white margins. Spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear in mid-summer. A distinctive small hosta, 'Tattle Tails' is prized for its unique, narrow, lance-shaped leaves with pronounced wavy or rippled margins. Its compact size and vigorous growth make it ideal for rock gardens, troughs, and edging.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 1 inch deep in well-drained soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Mist leaves during dry spells for added humidity
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 3–4 years in early spring for best growth
- Place in partial shade for optimal foliage color
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, well-draining soil with some organic matter for lush foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in early spring to promote healthy growth
Don't
- Avoid overly sunny locations ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Tattle Tails Plantain Lily questions
What zones can Tattle Tails Plantain Lily grow in?
Tattle Tails 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 Tattle Tails Plantain Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Tattle Tails Plantain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Tattle Tails Plantain Lily bloom?
Tattle Tails 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 Tattle Tails Plantain Lily need full sun?
Tattle Tails 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
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Grow Tattle Tails 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.
