Hosta plantaginea aka August Lily

Hosta plantaginea is a slow-growing perennial that forms dense, mounding clumps. The foliage typically reaches 40-60 cm (1-2 feet) in height, while the flower scapes can extend to 80 cm (about 30 inches). Mature clumps spread 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) wide. The plant has a clumping growth habit and expands gradually over the years through its stout rhizomes.

Hosta plantaginea is renowned for being the only truly fragrant species in the entire Hosta genus. Its large white flowers emit a strong, sweet perfume that is most intense in the evening and at night when the blooms open. This distinctive fragrance has made it a prized garden plant and earned it the common name 'Fragrant Plantain Lily.' The scent is so notable that essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers for use in perfumes.

Hosta plantaginea produces spectacular trumpet-shaped white flowers measuring 10-13 cm (3-4 inches) long from July through September, earning it the name 'August Lily.' Unlike most hostas, the flowers open in the evening and close by morning, releasing their intense fragrance throughout the night. The waxy white blooms appear on tall scapes up to 80 cm high and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are also excellent for cutting.

Several notable cultivars have been developed from Hosta plantaginea. 'Aphrodite' features double, fragrant flowers for extended bloom display. 'Grandiflora' (syn. var. japonica) has particularly large flowers. 'Royal Standard' produces bright green ribbed foliage with fragrant white flowers and is one of the most widely grown. 'Honeybells' has light green veined leaves with purple-streaked white blooms. 'August Moon' offers pale yellow leaves with grayish-mauve flowers.

Hosta plantaginea is an excellent outdoor garden perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-9. It thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight but is notably the most heat and sun tolerant of all hosta species, making it suitable for warmer climates. The plant is fully winter hardy and requires a cold dormancy period. It performs well in coastal, piedmont, and mountain regions and is ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, and as ground cover under trees.

Hosta plantaginea requires minimal pruning. Remove spent flower stems at ground level after blooming to redirect energy to the roots. Cut back any damaged, yellowed, or discolored leaves at ground level throughout the growing season to maintain appearance. In late fall after frost kills the foliage, cut the entire plant back to ground level. The plant will regenerate from its rhizomes in spring.

Division is the primary propagation method for Hosta plantaginea. The best time to divide is in early spring before the foliage unfurls, though fall division is also successful. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife or spade to separate sections, ensuring each division has several growing points (eyes) and healthy roots. Replant immediately at the same depth and water thoroughly. Established clumps can be divided every 3-5 years.

Slugs and snails are the most common pests, creating holes in the attractive foliage. Deer and rabbits browse the leaves, while voles can damage roots. Nematodes may also be problematic. Disease issues include leaf spot, crown rot (often from poor drainage), and viral infections such as Hosta Virus X, tobacco rattle virus, and tomato ring spot virus. Infected plants showing viral symptoms should be removed and destroyed. Hail storms can cause cosmetic damage to exposed leaves.

Hosta plantaginea is remarkably cold-hardy, tolerating winter temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C) in USDA zone 3. It requires a winter dormancy period with cold temperatures to thrive. During the growing season, it performs well in temperatures from 50-85°F (10-29°C) and is notably the most heat-tolerant hosta species, handling warmer summers better than other hostas. Protect emerging spring foliage from late frosts.

When growing Hosta plantaginea in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when roots become crowded. Choose a container at least 18 inches wide with good drainage holes. Use rich, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter. Repot in early spring before new growth emerges. The pot may need winter protection in colder zones since container-grown plants are more vulnerable to freezing than those in the ground.

Hosta plantaginea is native to China, specifically distributed across the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang. It naturally grows in the understory of mountain forests, on grassy slopes, and in rocky regions at altitudes below 2,000 meters. The species has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for centuries and was introduced to Western horticulture in the 1700s. It has since naturalized in some areas outside its native range.

Hosta plantaginea is primarily pollinated by insects, particularly moths and bees. Its unique evening-blooming habit and strong nocturnal fragrance are adaptations for moth pollination. The large, tubular white flowers are also visible in low light, attracting night-flying pollinators. During daytime, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds also visit the flowers for nectar. This makes it valuable for pollinator gardens.

In Asia, Hosta plantaginea has a long culinary history. The flowers are used to make tea and porridge and have a described peppery flavor. Young leaves are eaten as vegetables and are known as 'Urui' in Japan, where they're part of traditional mountain vegetable cuisine (Sansai). However, note that all plant parts are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Human consumption should follow traditional preparation methods, and the plant should not be confused with ornamental hostas that may have been treated with pesticides.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hosta plantaginea (known as 'Yuzan') has been used for over 500 years, first documented in the Ming Dynasty's 'Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao.' The flowers treat sore throat, lung heat, and toxic conditions. Leaves are applied to inflammatory conditions and hemorrhoids. Roots address inflammation and vomiting blood. Modern research has identified over 100 compounds including steroids and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, though formal safety studies remain limited.

Beyond its primary ornamental value, Hosta plantaginea has several practical applications. Essential oil extracted from the leaves and flowers is used in perfumery. The dense, mounding growth habit makes it an effective ground cover that suppresses weeds. Its large leaves are used as natural wrapping material in some Asian cuisines. The flowers are suitable for cutting and floral arrangements due to their size, color, and fragrance.