Cameo Plantain Lily
Hosta ventricosa 'Cameo'
Same species
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
‘Gold Standard’Gold Standard Hosta
‘Blazing Saddles’Blazing Saddles Hosta
‘Erie Magic’Erie Magic Hosta
‘Spring Gold’Spring Gold Plantain Lily
‘Aureomaculata’Gold-blotched Plantain Lily
‘Pilgrim’Pilgrim Plantain Lily
‘Abiqua Moonbeam’Abiqua Moonbeam Hosta
‘Lakeside Black Satin’Lakeside Black Satin
‘Ki-Ren Jyaku Double Flowering’Ki-Ren Jyaku Double Flowering Hosta
‘Whirlwind’Whirlwind Hosta
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
5 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
The Story
Plant Bio
Hosta kikutii is a species of hosta native to Japan, characterized by lance-shaped leaves and late-summer flowers. The 'Cameo' cultivar belongs to this species. A miniature hosta with small, heart-shaped, green leaves edged with a creamy white margin. It produces lavender, bell-shaped flowers in summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with well-draining, moist soil for planting.
- Tuck hosta roots into soil, ensuring the crown is just below soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to promote growth.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize in early spring for vigorous foliage
- Divide plants in spring or fall to maintain health
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don’t let the soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
- Don’t disturb roots during the growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Cameo Plantain Lily questions
What zones can Cameo Plantain Lily grow in?
Cameo 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 Cameo Plantain Lily deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cameo Plantain Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cameo Plantain Lily bloom?
Cameo 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 Cameo Plantain Lily need full sun?
Cameo 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'

Hosta Goldrush
Hosta x hybrida 'Goldrush'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Cameo 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.
