Hosta 'Patriot' Plantain Lily
Best shade-loving perennial for low-maintenance gardeners seeking reliable seasonal color.
The Hosta 'Patriot' offers striking white margins on its dark green, heart-shaped leaves, maintaining its attractive appearance throughout the season. It produces lovely lavender flowers in late summer. A sport of the popular Hosta 'Francee', 'Patriot' was recognized as the American Hosta Grower Association's Hosta of the Year in 1997. This perennial shade garden classic thrives in ordinary garden soil and can tolerate drought, though it flourishes with consistent moisture and organic matter. It is also suitable for containers and can grow well under black walnut trees.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1781
/ 2713
#1781 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Zones
39
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast visual interest in dark corners
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance landscape solutions
- Shade-garden enthusiasts looking for reliable, robust foliage
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
- Owners of sunny landscapes with limited shaded areas
- Impatient landscapers wanting immediate, full-sized plant impact
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking variegated foliage provides high-contrast beauty throughout the entire growing season.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives in diverse conditions including clay soil and coastal environments.
Pollinator Appeal
Lavender blooms serve as a reliable magnet for local hummingbirds and butterflies.
Maintenance Ease
A resilient perennial that demands minimal effort once established in shade.
Landscape Versatility
Perfect for containers, borders, or challenging spots under black walnut trees.
Drought Tolerance
Handles dry spells well but performs best with consistent garden moisture.
Key Specs
Zones
3-9
Height at Maturity
18-22 inches
Width at Maturity
36 inches
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
Middle to late summer
Foliage Color
Variegated
Features
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Tolerates clay soil, coastal conditions, and drought
- Juglone tolerant
- Suitable for containers
- Can be used as a cut flower
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Hosta 'Patriot' Plantain Lily from Rare Roots. Many reviews highlight the plants arriving healthy and robust, often exceeding expectations in size and vigor. Gardeners appreciate its reliable growth and striking variegated foliage, which adds significant aesthetic value to their landscapes. The plant's hardiness and ability to thrive are frequently mentioned, making it a favored choice for those seeking a dependable and beautiful addition to their gardens.
Know before you buy
Since this variety reaches a width of 36 inches at maturity, you should space them at least three feet apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
Yes, 'Patriot' is juglone tolerant, meaning it is one of the few plants that can thrive in the soil near black walnut trees where other plants might struggle.
While it is a shade-loving perennial, it performs best in partial shade. Too much direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch the white margins, but some morning light helps keep the foliage vibrant.
Absolutely. 'Patriot' adapts well to containers as long as you provide a pot with adequate drainage and keep the soil consistently moist.
While it is drought-tolerant, it will look its best with consistent moisture. Aim to keep the soil evenly damp, especially during the heat of mid-summer.
Yes, the lavender blooms that appear in late summer are known to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden space.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17