Hosta

Scientific Name: Hosta spp.

Common Names: Plantain Lily, Hosta Plantain, Funkia

Native to: East Asia (Japan, Korea, China)

Lighting requirements: Morning sun to full shade

Height: 1 to 3 feet, depending on variety

Width: 1 to 4 feet, depending on variety

Winter look: Dies back to the ground in winter; re-emerges in spring

Seasonal interest: Late spring to summer (various foliage colors and patterns, flowers in summer)

Drought tolerance: Low (prefers consistent moisture)

Soil requirements: Moist, well-draining, rich soil

pH range: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 (USDA Zones)

Deer resistance: Low

Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds

Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets (can cause gastrointestinal upset)

Notes: Hostas do not like the heat in Central Texas. You can try to make up for it by providing rich soil. I've seen them do a bit better in pots here, but usually, I just watch them die.