Hosta

Hostas, also known as Plantain Lily and Funkia, are grown mainly for their attractive foliage, which comes in a wide range of textures and colors including green, green variegated with white, cream or yellow, blue green, golden yellow and greenish-yellow. Many Hostas produce lovely spikes of tubular-, trumpet- or bell-shaped flowers in different shades of purple or white, some of which are very fragrant. The larger, clump-forming varieties make excellent ground cover. The height ranges between the varieties from 6 inches to 31/2 feet. These perennials are natives to eastern Asia. H. undulata var. univittata has narrowly oval leaves with twisted tips. They are about 6 inches long and are medium green with a white central blotch. In mid-summer, spikes of pale mauve flowers grow. H. 'Love Pat' has dark glaucous blue, cupped and deeply puckered leaves that grow up to 6 inches long. Its pale lilac flowers are borne in the summer. H. 'Golden Prayers' has vibrant golden-yellow, heart-shaped leaves that are cupped and puckered. In mid-summer, compact heads of lavender and white flowers are produced. This plant is well suited to a rock garden since it only grows up to 6 inches high with a 12-inch spread. Other types will be mentioned below in the varieties section.

Pot Cultivation

Hostas prefer partial shade, but will tolerate full shade. Plant them in moist, but well drained, humus-rich, neutral soil. Make sure to protect the leaves against slug and snail damage.

Propagation

These plants are easily increased by division in early spring. Seeds may also be sown in a shaded frame in light soil in early summer. They may be planted out the following spring.