
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Frances Williams Hosta, Plantain Lily ‘Frances Williams’, Hosta sieboldiana ‘Frances Williams’, or Hosta ‘Frances Williams’, is a well-loved, classic hosta with thick, rounded, deeply-textured, blue-green leaves with contrasting golden borders. The mammoth leaves are broad and heart-shaped, adding interesting color and contrast to any landscape. A striking bonus to this incredible foliage is the brilliant lilac to white flowers that open in late summer, adding to the Frances Williams Hosta’s appeal. This stately perennial grows from 32 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 36 to 42 inches.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Frances Williams Hosta has an upright, variegated, clump-forming, growing habit that lends it its elegant shape. Native to Japan, and rediscovered in Bristol, Connecticut, this low-maintenance beauty is named after Frances Williams, a landscaping architect who discovered the cultivar. Its thick, shaded leaves and white flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Your hosta will need pest protection, although this variety is more resistant than others because of its heavier texture.
Frances Williams Hosta Care
Frances Williams Hosta prefers to be planted in locations with full or partial shade, although they can tolerate some additional sun in cooler climates. Hostas that receive excess sun are smaller in size, but still lovely. Average water is sufficient for growth, but keep the soil consistently moist for the best results. They should be planted in rich, organic soil that is moist and well-drained.
Prune away unwanted or damaged leaves at any time during the growing season.
Frances Williams Hosta Spacing
Hostas grow well in containers and can thrive in any shaded garden. Their large, colorful leaves make them great understory options, and they are especially stunning in terracotta pots alongside other shade loving perennials. They should be planted 3 to 4 feet apart from center to center.
Frances Williams Hosta Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 32 - 36 Inches |
Mature Spread: 36 - 42 Inches |
Spacing: 36 - 42 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Early August |
Foliage Type: Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Frances Williams Hosta |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: HOSTA `FRANCES WILLIAMS` |
- SKU:
- 1231000915-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.