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Hosta Zeus

Hosta Zeus
Plantain Lily, Hosta

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A large hosta derived from 'Empress Wu', with large leaves, creamy white washed with green at the centre, edged with a deeper green. In spring, the heart of the leaves is almost white. This rare variety forms a broad clump, upright in the centre and slightly trailing at the edges. Choose it to add volume to shady borders or in a large container. Its flowers are lavender in colour.
Height at maturity
55 cm
Spread at maturity
85 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

Hosta 'Zeus' is a rare, large variegated hosta which refreshes the image of giant varieties. A sport of the impressive 'Empress Wu', it has a generous stature, but is clothed in brighter foliage. Its clump forms a wide, upright, voluminous mound, creating a focal point in shaded areas. Very hardy and suited to moist, deep soils, 'Zeus' is suitable for woodland borders as well as large containers.

This Hosta, or Plantain Lily, is a perfectly hardy perennial from the Asparagaceae family. 'Zeus' is a cultivar selected by the Belgian Gino Vandekinderen in the early 2020s. It is classified among the large hostas: its foliage reaches 55 to 60 cm in height and 80 to 90 cm in width. Its growth forms a wide, well-defined mound: the leaves in the centre of the clump are more upright, those on the outside slightly arched. They are large, ovate to elongated and pointed, borne on green petioles. In spring, they display an almost creamy white centre, edged with a bright green; over the weeks, this centre becomes covered with pale green streaks and spots, then turns light green. Their green border remains very sharp and accentuates the shape of the leaf. The leaf texture is thick. The fleshy roots come from a short rhizome; the clump widens by thickening and divides easily. This variety flowers between July and August. Its 75 to 80 cm tall flowering stems bear clusters of lavender tubular flowers.

'Zeus' draws attention in a shady or partially shaded border. It is best planted as a solitary specimen, slightly set back from a path or near a terrace. It thrives on the edge of a damp woodland, at the foot of trees or large shrubs that provide it with light shade. In a deep container, it adds character to a shaded patio. It can be combined with a large Dryopteris wallichiana fern, a bluish-green giant hosta 'Krossa Regal' and a Heuchera 'Mega Caramel', for contrast. A few pink plumes of Astilbe chinensis will complete this woodland scene, which will remain decorative for a large part of the growing season.

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Hosta: planting, growing and care
Family sheet
by Alexandra 17 min.
Hosta: planting, growing and care
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Spike

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour variegated

Plant habit

Height at maturity 55 cm
Spread at maturity 85 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Hosta

Cultivar

Zeus

Family

Asparagaceae

Other common names

Plantain Lily, Hosta

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference25646

Planting and care

Plant Zeus hostas in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil, ideally neutral to acidic (and certainly low in lime), that remains moist to damp throughout the year. Position them in partial shade or dappled shade, in a location sheltered from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole measuring 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm. If your soil is heavy, mix in an equal amount of compost with the crumbled soil, partially refill the hole, and place your young plant with its root ball so that the top of the ball is covered by 3 cm of soil. Adding a base fertiliser (dried blood, horn meal) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without risk of scorching. Ensure the collar is positioned well above soil level. Firm the soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, water regularly for a few weeks to help your plant establish. Also, water regularly during a dry summer.

With their shared preference for damp places, slugs and snails are never far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker, tougher foliage, making them less appealing to slugs, these plants still need protection. Protect your Hosta plants by surrounding them with pellets based on ferramol (approved for organic agriculture), crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, woodchip mulch, or any dry, rough natural substance that deters them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in the fight against slugs and snails, because unlike chickens, they do not dig up the soil or attack the fresh green shoots of young plants. Finally, some plants have a scent that repels slugs, for example wormwood and garlic.

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€17.50

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil ordinary, but enriched with humus, well-drained.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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