Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Long, narrow, wavy green leaves with thin white margins makes 'Stiletto' a distinctive small hosta. A stoloniferous growth habit lends itself well to use in borders as well as an edging plant. Funnel-shaped purple striped flowers in late summer. Grows 10 inches tall and about 20 to 24 inches wide, though it will spread out wider over time. Flower scapes are about 12 inches tall.

Grow in well drained soil in part shade to full shade to dappled light. Some varieties are listed as being suitable for full sun, but in our hot, dry climate, they all benefit from some mid-day sun protection. Ideally, provide a loamy soil, amended with organic material. Remove spent flower scapes after blooming to encourage more flowering and for a tidy appearance. In early spring, remove spent foliage, taking care to watch for new foliage emerging from the crown. Though not thought of as a "water-wise" plant, Hostas do remarkably well in dry part-shade to full-shade conditions, and are frequently the victim of over-watering, succumbing to crown or root rot.