Hosta - Hosta, Plantain Lily, Funkia

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

 white, lilac

15" - 30" 

early or  late summer 

leaf spots, crown rot, slugs, deer, voles

border, shade garden, massed plantings, ground cover

division, seeds

Performance - Hostas are a traditional and reliable perennial plant for Kentucky gardens. This is the best plant for shady areas of the landscape but they can tolerate full sun to partial shade, depending upon the variety. They produce lavender or fragrant white flowers, but they are grown primarily for their variegated foliage. The plants may have green, yellow-green, bluish-green, green and white, green and yellow foliage. It is important to have sufficient organic material in the soil for water retention.

Comments - Hosta is the most commonly planted perennial in Kentucky and the U.S. These plants grow well under shade trees. If planted in a full sun location with low moisture, the leaves will be damaged. If seeds are sown it may take up to 3 years to flower. Hostas usually do not need frequent division and should be spaced 3'-4' apart. Usually, weeds will not grow where there are massed plantings of hosta. The irregular rough surface of bark mulch usually helps control slug problems around the plants.

Varieties - Hundreds of varieties are available derived from over 10 species. Visit gardens and garden centers throughout the spring and summer to determine the cultivars that interest you. There are also hosta fanciers and societies for those who wish to know more.

Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' - Chameleon Plant, Houttuynia

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

 not important

6"-9" 

early summer 

few

ground cover, borders

division, cuttings

Performance - Houttuynia is a reliable perennial for Kentucky landscapes. It is tolerant of conditions from full sun to shade, from moist to dry soil. It does grow best in partial shade with moist well drained soil. This plant is used for its colorful foliage ranging from crimson, yellow, green, bronze and cream. It is most colorful in sunny sites.

Comments - This plant is may be invasive and is best grown in controlled areas. It is also best to not plant near valued perennials or shrubs, its' spreading rhizomes will take over.

Hyacinthus orientalis - Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

blue, pink, white, yellow, red

8" - 15"

spring 

moles, voles

mass planting, border

bulbs

Performance - Hyacinths are a spring flowering bulb that is usually a short-lived perennial in Kentucky gardens. Typically, they flower for 3-5 years after planting and then only the foliage will appear in the spring. Plants prefer to be grown in full sun to partial shade locations in well drained soils.

Comments - Hyacinths are grown for their bright, showy flower spikes and outstanding fragrance. They are commonly sold in the spring as potted plants that can be kept in the home for a few weeks. It is difficult, however, to have potted hyacinths grow normally in the garden and come back each year. Our late spring weather with high temperatures and low rainfall are the probable reason that hyacinths and other bulbs do not naturalize well in our landscapes.

Varieties - 'Blue Jacket', 'Carnegie', 'City of Haarlem', 'Delft Blue', 'Innocence', 'Pink Pearl', 'White Pearl'.

‘Carnegie’

‘Delft Blue’

‘Pink Pearl’

Hypericum calycinum - St. Johnswort, Aaron's Beard, St. Andrew's Cross

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

 yellow

15" - 18" 

summer 

few

ground cover

division, cuttings

Performance - St. Johnswort is a reliable perennial ground cover for Kentucky landscapes. It is drought tolerant and will grow well in full sun or shade. Flowering is more abundant in shady areas. It is an excellent plant for barren areas and will flower all season, unfortunately many years Kentucky's winter temperatures kill the flower buds, so no flowers will occur.

Comments - This species does grow quickly so division is necessary every 2-3 years for maintenance.

Hypoestes phyllostachya - Polka-dot Plant, Freckle-face

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

 lavender

12"- 24"

summer 

few

mass planting, container

seed, cuttings

Performance - Polka-dot plant is a heat-tolerant annual plant that performs well in Kentucky gardens. They grow best in full sun locations with moist, well-drained soil. Pinching the plant will create a bushy plant. The leaves of the plant are the main attraction and the flowers are unimportant. The dark green foliage has either red, pink or white polka-dots.

Comments - Plants can be dug in the fall, cut back and then grown as a house plant.

Varieties - 'Confetti' series, 'Splash' series.

Hyssopus officinalis - Hyssop

Flower Color

Height

Season

Pests

Uses

Propagation

 blue-violet

24"

early summer

few

hedging, informal border

seed, cuttings, division

Performance - Hyssop is a reliable perennial, most seasons, in Kentucky gardens. Hyssop grows best in full sun to partial shade with soil that is very well drained. Old flowers should be removed to promote new flowering. The blue flowers will occasionally change to pink or white. If propagated by division, the pink and white flowers will stay. It can be pruned to make a small hedge as a border for a garden as well as grown informal.

Comments - Hyssop is known as the cleaning herb. It has been used in homes to keep kitchens and sick rooms smelling fresh. It is also used as an herb for soups, salads and stews. The dried leaves and flowers can also be used to make teas.