Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia): when and how to prune
Hosta lancifolia
Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia) is best pruned in November.
| Pruning months | November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia): when to prune it?
After the first night frost in November you clear away the dead foliage; flower stems are cut after flowering.
What else to prune in those months? November
Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia): how to prune it?
- Cut the collapsed foliage off just above the ground in November.
- Do not put cut foliage on the compost heap if it carries slug eggs; take it away or let it rot down elsewhere.
- Cut the flower stems off at the base after flowering.
- In summer, remove damaged or brown leaves to keep the clump tidy.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: November.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia) flowers in August–September, when it attracts bees.
Caution: Dead foliage shelters slugs and their eggs. Clear it away before winter. Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia) is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Blue plantain lily (Hosta ventricosa)
- Fragrant plantain lily (Hosta plantaginea)
- Siebold’s plantain lily (Hosta sieboldiana)
Plant profile: Narrow-leaved plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.