Hosta Saint Elmos Fire

Hosta Saint Elmo's Fire forms a rounded mound of medium size, with large cordate leaves that overlap and brighten semi-shade with their yellow to light green colour, surrounded by a fine white border. This variegated variety emerges in spring with buttery yellow foliage that later darkens to light green, with a margin of pure and soft white, slightly undulated at maturity. The texture of the leaves is veined and somewhat puckered. In summer, new yellow leaves develop, juxtaposing with the green colour of the leaves from a few months ago. Mauve flowers complete this picture. To be planted in moist soil, in partial shade, in borders.

This Hosta Saint Elmo's Fire is a perennial that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This variety is derived from Hosta Sea Fire. It is a very hardy deciduous plant. It forms a compact but quite spread-out clump of leave in spring. The plant, reaching maturity in 5 years, reaches 40 cm (16in) in height and 75 cm (30in) in width. Its leaves are heart-shaped, veined and slightly puckered. They are buttery yellow and then light green, finely variegated with white. Flowering takes place in July and August, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

Hostas are sensitive to drought and scorching exposures. A location illuminated by afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. With their generous and decorative foliage, they are perfect as groundcover or in partially shaded, or even shaded beds where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they like sheltered and damp locations. In general, exposure to morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. On the edge of woodland, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Hosta Saint Elmo's Fire pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms lovely colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look good in the company of acteas with purple foliage and white columbines. If you plant it in a sunnier location, in consistently moist soil, it appreciates the company of foxgloves and Iris pseudacorus near a water feature. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

Most species found in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.