Hosta 'Francee' – Planting & Care Guide

About Hosta 'Francee'

Hosta 'Francee', commonly known as Plantain Lily 'Francee', is one of the most popular and reliable variegated Hostas, admired for its elegant dark green leaves edged with crisp white margins. Its striking foliage brightens shaded areas of the garden from spring until autumn, creating beautiful contrast in borders and containers.

During mid to late summer, graceful stems rise above the foliage carrying pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects. Growing to approximately 50–60cm tall with flower stems reaching 70–80cm, and spreading 75–90cm, 'Francee' forms a dense, symmetrical clump that becomes more impressive each year. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders and patio containers, where its bold foliage provides season-long interest.

Planting Guide

• Plant in partial shade or full shade.
• Morning sun is beneficial, but protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
• Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown.
• Space plants approximately 75–90cm apart to allow room for mature growth.

Care & Maintenance

Hosta 'Francee' is a long-lived perennial that requires very little maintenance once established.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warm weather.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to conserve moisture and enrich the soil.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently during dry spells.
• Divide mature clumps every 4–5 years if they become overcrowded.
• Protect emerging shoots from late spring frosts if necessary.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required to keep plants healthy and attractive.

• Remove faded flower stems after flowering.
• Cut away damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the season.
• Allow foliage to die back naturally in autumn.
• Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
• Remove old leaves around the crown to improve air circulation and reduce pests.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Francee'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily 'Francee'
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 50–60cm (70–80cm including flowers)
• Spread: 75–90cm
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: July to August
• Foliage: Dark green leaves with crisp white margins
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Hosta 'Francee' is ideal for bringing colour and texture to shaded areas.

• Woodland gardens
• Shaded borders
• Underplanting trees and shrubs
• Cottage gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Pondside planting
• Raised beds
• Contemporary gardens
• Low-maintenance planting schemes

It combines beautifully with Ferns, Heucheras, Hellebores, Astilbe, Brunnera, Pulmonaria, Japanese Anemones and Tiarella.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh variegated foliage emerges in spring.
• Dense clumps provide texture and contrast throughout summer.
• Elegant lavender flowers appear during mid to late summer.
• Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
• Attractive foliage remains colourful until autumn.
• Plants die back in winter before producing fresh new growth in spring.

Common Problems

Hosta 'Francee' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Slugs and snails may damage young leaves, particularly in spring.
• Vine weevil larvae can occasionally affect container-grown plants.
• Poor drainage may lead to crown or root rot.
• Leaf scorch can occur in prolonged hot afternoon sun or dry conditions.
• Ensure consistent moisture and good air circulation for the healthiest plants.

With its elegant white-edged foliage, graceful lavender flowers and dependable growth, Hosta 'Francee' is one of the finest shade-loving perennials for Irish gardens. Hardy, low maintenance and long-lived, it provides outstanding foliage from spring to autumn and is perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, containers and underplanting, bringing beauty and structure to even the darkest corners of the garden

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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