Hosta 'Frances Williams' (Plantain lily)
Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ is a much-loved perennial for shade, combining bold, puckered leaves with attractive variegation that brightens borders, woodland edges, and containers throughout the growing season.
The broad, heart-shaped foliage forms a generous clump and provides strong ground cover, while pale lilac summer flowers rise above the leaves on tall stems, adding a softer, seasonal highlight.
Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered position helps prevent leaf scorch, and consistent moisture supports the best leaf colour and overall plant performance.
Water well in dry weather, mulch in spring to retain moisture, and remove old foliage once it dies back. Slug protection is helpful in spring, and clumps can be divided every few years to rejuvenate plants.
Perfect for shade borders and underplanting, this hosta also works beautifully in large pots and brings a calm, architectural feel to planting designs where flowers are secondary to foliage impact.
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Frances Williams' |
| Flower colour | Pale lilac |
| Tuber size | Grade I (Top Size) |
| Established height | 50–100 cm |
| Established spread | 50–100 cm |
| Plant spacing | 1 per m² |
| Leaf colour | Grey-green, variegated |
| Habit | Clump-forming |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Years to establish | 1st year |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Position | Sheltered |
| Suitable for | Pots, Borders, Ground cover |
| Soil acidity | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil moisture | Moist but well-drained |
| Soil type | Clay, Loam |
| RHS Award (AGM) | No |
| Growing skill | Easy to grow |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Deer resistant | No |
Planting and Flowering Calendar
Key Features
Packed in paper
Packed peat-free
Great for Shade
RHS Award (AGM)
Perfect for pots

