Plantain lily (Hosta ‘Cool As A Cucumber’)

Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' is commonly called plantain lily. It is a large, variegated Hosta cultivar grown mainly for its green-margined, creamy-white-centered foliage.

Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' typically grows about 28 inches tall and 48 inches wide. Give it roughly 40 to 48 inches of space so the arching mound can develop fully.

Yes, Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' is generally easy to grow when planted in shade or partial shade and kept evenly moist. Its main recurring problems are slug damage, drought stress and excessive sun exposure.

Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' grows best in partial shade to shade. It can tolerate gentle morning sun, but strong afternoon sun may scorch or bleach its variegated leaves.

Yes, Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' can grow in full shade, provided the soil remains fertile and evenly moist. Growth may be somewhat less vigorous than in bright, filtered shade.

It usually tolerates a few hours of mild morning sun or filtered light. Protect it from hot afternoon sun, especially in the southern United States or during drought.

Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 9. Winter performance can still vary with snow cover, exposure and the condition of the crown.

Use fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained loam. Incorporating compost can improve moisture retention and soil structure, but avoid sites that stay waterlogged.

Yes, Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' can grow in a large container with drainage holes. Choose a pot wide enough for its mature spread, keep the mix evenly moist and provide bright shade rather than hot sun.

Water Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' whenever the soil surface begins to dry, aiming to keep the root zone evenly moist. Water more often during hot, dry weather and less during cool, rainy periods.

Brown leaf edges usually indicate drought stress, hot sun, wind damage or inconsistent watering. Move the plant toward deeper shade if needed and keep the soil evenly moist without allowing poor drainage.

Apply a light, balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring as new growth begins. Keep granular fertilizer away from the crown and avoid heavy feeding, which can damage roots or produce weak growth.

Reduce slug habitat by removing hiding debris and keeping dense mulch away from the crown. Hand-picking, traps or a labeled slug control product can be used when feeding damage becomes significant.

Poor growth is most often caused by insufficient moisture, excessive sun, compacted soil, crown damage or competition from nearby roots. Check soil moisture and drainage first, then move the plant if the site is too bright or dry.

Plant Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. Spring planting gives the roots a long season to establish, while fall planting should be completed several weeks before the ground freezes.

Space Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' about 40 to 48 inches apart for individual plants. Closer spacing is possible for a quicker mass planting, but it will require division sooner.

Plant it with the crown at soil level, not deeply buried. Spread the roots through the planting hole, backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly after planting.

Yes, Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' can be transplanted successfully in spring or early fall. Dig widely to preserve the root ball, replant at the same depth and keep it consistently moist while it reestablishes.

The most reliable method is division of the crown in early spring or late summer. Separate sections with healthy roots and shoots, then replant them promptly at the original depth.

It can produce seed, but seedlings may not closely resemble Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber'. Division is preferred when you want to preserve the cultivar's distinctive variegated foliage.

Cut flower scapes back after blooming if you want to keep the plant tidy and direct energy toward the foliage. Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base, but leave healthy leaves until they naturally decline.

Yes, Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' is moderately toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. Keep pets from chewing the leaves, flowers or other plant parts, and contact a veterinarian if ingestion causes concern.

Hostas are not generally grown as edible plants, so people and children should not eat Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber'. Keep plant material away from young children and seek medical advice after significant ingestion.

Hosta 'Cool As A Cucumber' blooms in early summer. Its tall flower scapes rise above the foliage and may reach about 40 inches.

The flowers are light lavender to near white, depending on growing conditions and the description used by the grower. They are carried on tall, pale scapes above the variegated leaves.

Its flowers can attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The cultivar is primarily valued for its foliage, but the early-summer blooms add useful vertical interest in a shade garden.