August Lily

Hosta plantaginae

Physical Characteristics

Hosta plantaginae is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Stem Edible Uses: Young leaves and leaf stems - cooked[105, 177]. One report suggests the plant may be poisonous[178].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer The flowers are said to have anticancer activity[218].

Known Hazards

One report suggests the plant may be poisonous[178].