Mother called them day lilies, others called them plantain lilies, the catalogues list them as funkia, or hosta or niobe. But by whatever name you know them they certainly are very satisfactory ornamental plants, especially for foundation planting.
There are several good varieties of this plant, but Hosta plantaginea is the most common. Its large shiny light-green leaves are attractive all the season until frost cuts them down. But in August, when they are topped with many spikes of fragrant white tubular flowers, their beauty is truly complete.
Hostas will endure much neglect, but they will respond quickly to good treatment. They are grown from divisions of their fleshy roots, and once planted in good soil they grow quickly into large permanent clumps. They strongly prefer shade, so are ideal for that difficult spot on the north side of the house. They also like plenty of moisture.
The plants in the picture are at the north end of a porch in a sheltered spot, so they do not always get much rainfall, but still they bloom. Last year, which was very wet, they responded with much larger leaves and the tallest and largest spikes of flowers yet.
Once I passed through a nice little town where it seemed half the houses had neat clumps or borders of hostas. Perhaps some generous flower-lover had inspired others to try one of her favorites. Anyway, the effect was fine.
If you like permanent plantings which need practically no care, yet are always clean and attractive, by all means plant hostas.
By A. B. Turner
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