Hosta ‘Francee’

Hosta ‘Francee’

Characteristics

Culture

Hosta ‘Francee’ grows easily in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Best in part shade-some morning sun or sun dappled conditions. Established plants have some tolerance for dry shade (particularly plants with thick leaves), but soils should never be allowed to dry out. Full size and quality form are best achieved with consistent moisture. Water is best applied directly to the soil beneath the leaves. Divide plants as needed in spring or autumn. Plant in locations protected from wind.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hosta is a genus of about 70 species of shade-loving, rhizomatous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennials which are native to open woodlands, woodland margins and glades in Japan, Korea, China and eastern Russia. Hostas are primarily grown for their ornamental foliage.  

‘Francee’ is generally considered to be one of the best of the white-margined hostas.  It typically matures in a dense, arching mound to 21″ tall and to 36″ wide. Heart-shaped, dark green leaves, to 8″ long, have narrow white margins. Foliage holds good color throughout the growing season. Funnel-shaped, pale lavender flowers in dense racemes appear in late summer atop leafy green stalks rising above the foliage mound to 30” tall.

Problems

Slugs and snails are attracted to the foliage chewing jagged holes in the leaves, and if left unchecked, can cause serious damage over a fairly short period of time.

Garden Uses

Very effective in groups or massed. Good background plant. Shady borders, shade gardens or woodland gardens. Mass plantings. Remove spent flower stems to tidy up the plants for the rest of the growing season.