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

Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily

Hosta x hybrida 'Shimmy Shake'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hostas are clump-forming, herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. They are native to eastern Asia and thrive in shady, moist environments. Most produce spikes of lily-like, lavender or white flowers in summer.

A small hosta featuring narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with heavily ruffled, creamy white margins. The leaves have a twisted, wavy appearance, giving the plant a sense of motion. Spikes of lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear in mid-summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds texture and color to shaded garden areas, thriving in low-light conditions.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports pollinators attracted to its lavender flowers and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

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

20 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

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

Choose a shaded or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil.
Tuck young plants into the ground, spacing 18-24 inches apart, in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Tuck in new plants in early spring or fall for best results.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil stays consistently moist for lush foliage and vibrant blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Remove dead leaves in early spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
Refrain from using heavy, clay-based soil without amendments

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 border with textured foliageSilver-hued groundcover contrastLavender-scented shaded retreat

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Hostas with contrasting leaf colors Bleeding hearts

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily questions

What zones can Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily grow in?

Shimmy Shake 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 Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily bloom?

Shimmy Shake 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 Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily need full sun?

Shimmy Shake Plantain Lily does best in part shade.