Hosta 'Frances Williams'

Frances Williams Plantain Lily

Hosta 'Frances Williams' — a large, dramatic hosta prized for its heavily textured blue-green leaves with broad chartreuse to golden-yellow margins. The thick, deeply corrugated foliage forms a bold architectural mound, making it one of the most recognizable large hostas for shade gardens. Pale lavender to nearly white flowers rise above the foliage in early to midsummer, adding soft contrast to its bold leaves.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 4–5 ft
Height: 24–30 in (to ~36 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b

Form: Large, broad mounded clump

Light: Partial shade to full shade; morning sun tolerated

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

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
A classic specimen hosta valued for bold texture and striking variegation. Excellent for woodland gardens, large shade borders, focal points, and foundation plantings. The thick leaves provide strong slug resistance compared with thinner-leaved varieties.

Care:
Plant in rich soil with consistent moisture and mulch annually. Protect from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch, especially on the golden margins. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and cut back old foliage in spring. Divide only when necessary, as mature clumps improve with age. 🌿

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-30"

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer

Flower color

Lavender, White

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green, Vanilla

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Broad, Clump, Mounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No