Hosta ‘First Mate’ (Plantain Lily)
Plantain Lily 'First Mate', 'First Mate' Hosta
Vigorous, Hosta ‘First Mate’ (Plantain Lily) is a small hosta variety with stunningly variegated foliage. It forms attractive, dense mounds of long, narrow, heavily rippled leaves with dark green margins and creamy-yellow centers. Star-like lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising on scapes 24 in. long (60 cm) but the primary contribution of this hosta is its lovely foliage.
- Easy grower, Hosta ‘First Mate’ has a more upright habit, displaying its showy leaves as it creates mounds up to 10 in. tall (25 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
- Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
- Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great for edging, as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
- 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.
- Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
2 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 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 |
9" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, 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
Botanik Foto
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 |
2 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 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 |
9" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
