WSU Clark County Extension
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Frances Williams Hosta

Scientific name: Hosta sieboldiana Frances Williams
Taxonomy
Family:Agavaceae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 8
Sun:Partial shade to full shade
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:5 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:July to August
Bloom Color:Lavender
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description In the world of many different hosta cultivars Frances Williams stands out with its heart-shaped blue-green leaves edged with a wide yellow stripe. This is one of the largest cultivars available.

  Morphology:
As an herbaceous groundcover this species can grow to 2’ tall but can attain a width of 5’ if it is grown in a shaded site with good soil organic matter.

The sieboldianas cultivars are referred to as blue-leaved hostas in the landscaping trade. Francis Williams is known for its handsome large dark, bluish puckered leaves that are irregularly edged in creamy yellow. Lilly-like lavender flowers appear in mid-summer on 30” tall stems.

  Adaptation:
As with other hosta species and cultivars it’s best to select a site that is moist but well-drained. Liberal additions (2”-4”) of compost will help amend heavy soil encouraging considerably better growth.

Only sites that have full shade should be utilized.

This species can easily be divided in the spring in order to further extend its ground covering capacity.

  Pests:
Slugs can be problem when new leaves are first expanding.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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