Hosta ‘Designer Genes’ (Plantain Lily)
Plantain Lily 'Designer Genes', 'Designer Genes' Hosta
Prized for its brilliant foliage and red stems, Hosta ‘Designer Genes’ (Plantain Lily) is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it forms a small mound of widely oval, heart-shaped, brilliant golden-yellow leaves. Shiny above and matt below, the luminous foliage contrasts beautifully with the showy bright red petioles. Later in the season, the foliage mellows to more of a chartreuse green color. Funnel-shaped lavender blooms appear in late summer, rising on red scapes 24 in. tall (60 cm). A knockout foliage perennial that is excellent for containers and small gardens.
- Easy grower, this clump-forming perennial grows 18 in. tall (45 cm) and spreads 12 in. (30 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils.
- Perfect for the shade gardens, mixed with other perennials in beds and borders, city or cottage gardens, as a groundcover, garden edging or underplanting shrubs.
- Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
- Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant’s growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Hosta |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Walter Gardens Inc
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Hosta |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
