Hosta Liberty

Hosta 'Liberty' produces a large, variegated, heart-shaped foliage, with a blue-green centre that is widely and irregularly margined with lime green on the young leaves. Over time, the margins, which appear applied with a brush, take on a lovely golden yellow to pale blonde hue. This large variety forms generous clumps with an upright and spreading habit. The foliage is adorned in summer with a light flowering of mauve-lavender bell-shaped spikes. This wonderful perennial is easy to grow and thrives in damp, semi-shady soil, and creates beautiful combinations with other perennials or even bushes.

This Hosta is a completely hardy perennial that, from spring onwards, forms wide and spreading clumps. It belongs to the Asparagus family. The plant will reach a height of 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26in) and 85 cm (34in) when in flower, and will spread at least 60 cm (24in) over several years of cultivation. It forms a broad clump, wider than it is tall. It is a long-lived plant with large deciduous heart-shaped leaves, ending in a tiny pointed tip, with visible veins. The lamina is thick and bumpy. The edges of the juvenile leaves change colour and lighten as they mature. This thick foliage is quite resistant to attacks from gastropods. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of small pale lavender hanging bells, grouped towards the top of the peduncles that can reach a height of 85 cm (34in).

The hybrid Hosta 'Liberty' associates well with many perennials in semi-shade, such as astilbes, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look great alongside columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be paired with semi-shade bushes such as Mexican orange, variegated hollies, and azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.  As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot is possible. Then place a saucer under the pot to maintain a constant level of moisture in the summer.

Most species commonly found in our gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.