Hosta sieboldiana Herifu

Hosta 'Herifu', as delicate as a Japanese miniature, forms a cluster of small oval and elongated leaves in a delicious apple green shade, finely margined with cream. This almost dwarf variety, a hybrid of Hosta sieboldiana, shows quite rapid growth. Its summer flowering blooms in spikes of small lavender-purple flowers. It is an easy perennial to grow and succeed in damp soil. 'Herifu' is perfect in partial shade, in the company of perennials or even shrubs.

This Hosta is a completely hardy perennial, with a low and dense growth habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant will reach a height of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12in) and 40 cm (16in) in flower, spreading at least 40 cm (16in) quite rapidly. It forms a clump wider than it is tall. It is a long-lived plant with small deciduous leaves ending in a pointed tip, with visible veins. The leaves are uniformly bright green, outlined with a very fine cream edging. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of small pendant bells that can reach a height of 40 cm (16in).

The hybrid Hosta 'Herifu' will associate well in partial shade with numerous perennials such as astilbes, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look great in the company of columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be paired with partial shade shrubs such as Mexican orange bushes, variegated hollies, and azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a special geranium potting compost to use during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot, keeping the soil moist throughout summer.

The majority of species spread in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan.  Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.