hosta

[ hoh-stuh, hos-tuh ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Hosta, of the lily family, which includes the plantain lily.

hosta

/ ˈhɒstə /

noun

1. any plant of the liliaceous genus Hosta, of China and Japan: cultivated esp for their ornamental foliage

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosta¹

< New Latin (1797), after Nicolaus Thomas Host (1761–1834), Austrian botanist; -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of hosta¹

C19: New Latin, named after N. T. Host (1761–1834), Austrian physician

Example Sentences

In a shaded area of the sprawling backyard, they planted more than 300 hosta varieties.

From Seattle Times

Planted around the base of the vine maple, the bold foliage of a hosta or three creates a visual still point and offers contrast to the fine texture of Northern sea oats.

From Seattle Times

There’s a hosta for every garden, including dwarf forms that are perfect for container culture.

From Seattle Times

Hosta foliage often shifts to a buttery yellow as the plant dies back and goes dormant, leaving you space to generously plant snow crocus — like, lots! — for a colorful late-winter display before spring foliage emerges on these plants.

From Seattle Times

It might not have the speedy results Nyla wants, but if it could keep Mrs. Tronsted’s hosta plants from creeping into Mom’s berries, it should kill the huge-leafed plants and ground cover without contaminating Sagan’s water and soil.

From Literature