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Hosta ‘Great Expectations’ (Plantain Lily)

Plantain Lily 'Great Expectations', 'Great Expectations' Hosta

Hosta Great Expectations, Plantain Lily 'Great Expectations', 'Great Expectations' Hosta, variegated Plantain lily, Shade perennials, Plants for shade

Hosta ‘Great Expectations’ (Plantain Lily) forms an attractive, dense mound of large, oval, puckered, blue-green leaves with gold centers aging to creamy white. Bell-shaped, near-white blooms appear in summer, rising on scapes 34 in. tall (85 cm). This Hosta cultivar lives up to its name and is worth waiting for in the spring.

  • Grows up to 22-24 in. tall (55-60 cm) and 30-34 in. wide (75-85 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.
  • 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
Common names Hosta, Plantain Lily
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Silver Bullet’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Blueberry Muffin’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘White Feather’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Warwick Comet’ (Plantain Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’
Astilbe

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Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Great Hostas as Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
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.
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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
Common names Hosta, Plantain Lily
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hosta
Guides with
Hosta
Not sure which Hosta to pick?
Compare Now

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