Hosta ‘Francee’

(Plantain Lily)

Hosta 'Francee' earns its place in our range for its impeccably reliable performance and remarkable resilience. This classic perennial is adorned for such reliability with the esteemed RHS Garden Merit award proves itself with incredibly lush foliage. 'Francee' is perfect for shaded or partially shaded areas like woodland gardens or border plantings and works wonderfully as an under planter to trees and roses. 'Francee' thrives in moist, well-drained soil, showcasing its broad, heart-shaped leaves with striking dark green centres and bordered by creamy white margins, adding depth and texture to shaded garden beds. With its low maintenance needs and robust constitution, 'Francee' is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of expertise. Whether utilised as a ground cover or featured in containers, its versatility shines through, bringing visual interest and texture to any garden space. Hosta 'Francee' is a timeless selection for crafting verdant landscapes. Its reliability and attractive foliage ensure it remains a cherished favourite among gardening aficionados, enhancing gardens with its understated beauty and solid performance throughout the seasons.

To ensure optimal conditions for Hosta's in your garden, select a planting site with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Hosta's thrive in partial to full shade, although some varieties tolerate more sunlight. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot Summer months. We advise planting Hosta's at the same depth as they were in their nursery pots, with the crown level with the soil surface. Adequate spacing between plants allows for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

We advise watering Hosta's deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to prevent dehydration. Apply water directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Feeding Hosta's with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in Spring promotes healthy growth and lush foliage. Alternatively, apply a water-soluble fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, contributing to the overall health of your Hosta.

For general care, keep Hosta's healthy by regularly removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. Monitor for signs of pests like slugs and snails, addressing infestations promptly. Divide overcrowded clumps every few years to maintain vigour and promote better growth. We recommend pruning Hosta's by cutting back any damaged or yellowing leaves as needed throughout the growing season. In late Autumn, after the foliage has died back, trim the leaves to ground level to tidy up the plant and prepare it for its Winter dormancy.