Hosta plantaginae - August Lily
| Family: | Funkiaceae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 0.6 |
| Width: | 1.2 |
| Synonyms: | H. subcordata. |
| Range: | E. Asia - China, Japan. |
August Lily will flower in January to March. the seeds ripen from March to April
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects
Soil Information
August Lily will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
August Lily prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
August Lily can grow in full, semi shaded areas and areas with no shade.Roadside thickets and waste places in N. America, where it is naturalized[43].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Grows on a sunny edge
- Works within dappled Shade
- Grows in a shady edge
- Is suited to a deeply shaded location
- Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds
Cultivation Details
Thrives in most fertile soils if they are rich in humus[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy ones[208]. Very limy soils inhibit growth, but plants can thrive in such a situation if plenty of humus is added[208]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[200]. Requires a rich soil that does not dry out readily[1]. Succeeds in full sun as well as in deep shade, growing well in the semi-shade of a woodland[200, 233]. In general, the sunnier the position the moister the soil should be[233]. Plants are best not grown under trees in town gardens since the soot washed from the leaves of the trees in wet weather will tend to remain on the hosta[208]. Plants flower better when grown in a sunny position but the foliage is better when the plant is in a shady position[200]. This species tolerates quite a lot of sun[187]. Plants are in general fully hardy in Britain, but young leaves in spring can be destroyed by frost. New leaves are only produced in the spring and very early summer, so any damage at this time has a deep effect on the plant[233]. The plant forms open clumps[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Plants are very attractive to slugs and snails, the young shoots in spring are especially at risk[111, K]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties[187]. The flowers open in the evening[188] and have a delicious lily-like fragrance[233]. The plant only flowers well when grown in a warm position[233], and is not really satisfactory when grown in most areas north of London[251].. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 2/5
Young leaves and leaf stems - cooked[105, 177]. One report suggests the plant may be poisonous[178].
- Leaves -
- Stem - this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 1/5
The flowers are said to have anticancer activity[218].
- Cancer - Used in the treatment of cancer.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. Make sure you keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division is possible at almost any time of the year so long as there is sufficient moisture[233]. It is best carried out in March as growth commences or in early autumn if the soil is not too dry[200]. Hostas can be left undivided for many years and should not be divided any more frequently than once every 3 - 5 years to allow the leaves to reach maturity[200].Scented parts of the plants
Flowers : FreshKnown Hazards
One report suggests the plant may be poisonous[178].Other Uses
An essential oil is obtained from the leaves, used in perfumery[178]. A useful ground cover plant, succeeding in dense shade, though rather slow spreading[197]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[208].- Essential - Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
- Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.
Cultivars
'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].References
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
Flora of China
Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994
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