Frances Williams Hosta

Light Needs

Full Shade to Part Shade

(0-4 Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

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.

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