Hosta 'Plantaginea'

Plantain Lily

Hosta 'Plantaginea' — also known as August Lily — is a large species hosta prized for its broad, glossy bright green leaves and highly fragrant pure white flowers. The foliage forms a lush mound with a tropical appearance, and in late summer to early fall large trumpet-shaped blooms open in the evening, releasing a strong sweet fragrance. It is one of the most important fragrant hosta species and a parent to many modern fragrant cultivars.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 36–48 in
Height: 18–24 in (to ~30 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Broad, arching mound

Light: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates more sun with adequate moisture

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and moths

Features & Landscape Uses:
Highly valued for fragrant late-season white flowers, making it excellent near patios, walkways, and evening gardens. Ideal for woodland gardens, shade borders, and mixed hosta plantings. Its glossy foliage pairs well with blue hostas, ferns, and other bold shade perennials.

Care:
Provide fertile soil with regular moisture, especially during summer heat. Some morning or filtered sun encourages flowering. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and clean old foliage in early spring. Divide mature clumps only when needed. 🌿








 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

18-24''

Width

36-48"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Broad, Mounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No