DID YOU KNOW . . .

Hostas produce their flowers on a bloom stalk or scape that arises from the base of the clump through the center of the foliage. A mature plant may product 10 or more scapes and hundreds of flowers. Individual hosta flowers are generally open for only one day, like daylilies. One scape may have open flowers over a three-to four week-period, producing as many as 50 to 60 flowers. Some of the early flowering hostas may bloom again I late summer.

Some cultivars bloom as early as May. Others, bloom in September and October. It is even possible to have hostas flowering in the shade garden all summer long! Many of those that bloom in August, hybrids of H. plantaginea, produce a strong, sweet fragrance, while many of the late flowering hostas have very colorful, purple-striped flowers held aloft on dark purple scapes.

Hosta flowers range in size from about an inch to over six inches. They vary in color from pure white to deep purple and many are lavender with bright purple stripes. Though some are bell-shaped or have very ‘spidery’ petals, most are funnel-shaped. From a distance, most hosta flowers look plain, but closer inspection will reveal delicate beauty and perhaps a bit of fragrance.

SOURCE: American Hosta Society