Hosta plantaginea aka August Lily

Taxonomy

Genus Hosta Family Asparagaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Hosta plantaginea, also known as the fragrant plantain lily or August lily, is a species of flowering plant in the Asparagace family. It is native to southeast and south-central China but has become a garden escapee in various locations around the world. This particular hosta, along with its cultivars and hybrids, is the only fragrant variety within the hosta family. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing in the herb layer of mountain forests below 2000m. The plant forms a large dome-shaped mound, reaching heights of up to 60cm. It boasts glossy, mid-green leaves and produces white flowers on stems that can grow up to 80cm in length. The flowers are highly fragrant, particularly at night, and bloom from late summer to autumn. The Plantain Lily, as it is also known, creates attractive and dense mounds of bright green, oval-shaped leaves that have a glossy appearance. During late summer and early fall, these leaves are elegantly adorned with large flowers that can measure 3-4 inches (7-10cm) in length. Considered the most fragrant of all hostas, the plant is highly regarded for its beautiful foliage and its impressive flowers. The flowers themselves are trumpet-shaped with a waxy texture and a pure white color. They emit a strong and pleasant fragrance. The scapes, or flower stalks, can reach up to 30 inches in height. This hosta variety is an erect and spreading plant, classified as a medium-sized hosta. Its nearly round, heart-shaped leaves are a light yellowish green color and have a glossy appearance. The plant is known for its low maintenance requirements and is considered a reliable and versatile perennial. Its dense foliage helps to prevent the growth of garden weeds. It is sometimes referred to as the August lily due to its late summer blooming period. The genus name, Hosta, is a tribute to Austrian botanist Nicholas Thomas Host, while the specific epithet, plantaginea, means resembling a plantain. Overall, this hosta is treasured for its fragrant flowers and its striking foliage.

Common names

August Lily, Hosta, Fragrant Plantain Lily

How to care for August Lily

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, August Lily is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

August Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

August Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

August Lily requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hosta is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for August Lily to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

August Lily is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the August Lily. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the August Lily should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

August Lily’s native range is Northeast Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Hosta Genus

Hosta Plantain Lily

Hosta clausa Plantain Lily

Hosta longissima

Hosta ventricosa Blue Plantain Lily

Hosta undulata Suji GibŌShi

Hosta longipes Rock Hosta

Hosta sieboldiana Blue Angel Hosta

Hosta tardiva

Hosta sieboldii Funkia

Hosta plantaginea August Lily