Not a Tree - Plantain Lily (Hostas)
Hosta spp. · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Ground Cover
Variety / Cultivar
Variegated Cultivars (e.g., 'Undulata' or similar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
Although submitted as a tree, this is actually a clump-forming herbaceous perennial known for lush, mounding foliage and tall scapes of funnel-shaped flowers.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, broad, ovate to cordate leaves with prominent parallel veins and distinctive white or cream margins surrounding green centers
Bark Characteristics
Lacks woody bark as it is a herbaceous perennial plant
Growing Information
Origin Region
Northeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Growing Season
Emerges in spring, flowers in summer, dies back to the ground in autumn dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers partial to full shade with consistent moisture and well-drained, rich soil
Mature Size
Typically reaches 1 to 3 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet
Special Characteristics
Exceptional shade-tolerant foliage plant with high resistance to most pests, though susceptible to deer and slugs
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts bees and hummingbirds during flowering; provides low-level cover for small garden insects