Hosta UFO

The Hosta UFO is a giant variety, a majestic plant for shade that forms a huge clump of deeply veined, almost round leaves. They emerge in dark green and quickly a narrow and irregular yellow border appears. Later in the season, the leaves lighten and take on a green-yellow hue. It blooms in the summer with spikes adorned with purple bells. This sensational plant takes its time to express its full potential, but it deserves a prime location, in the garden or in a very large pot on the terrace.

This Hosta, or Funkia UFO, resulting from the hybridisation of Hosta Gunther's Prize, was obtained by M. & J. Fransen. It is a deciduous perennial, completely hardy belonging to the asparagus family. This variety develops a giant clump starting from spring. The plant, mature in 6 years, reaches up to 1m (3ft) or 1.2m (4ft) in height and 1.5m (5ft) to 1.8m (6ft) in spread, if the conditions are right. The thick, heavy, leathery leaves, some cup-shaped, can measure up to 45cm (18in) long. They are almost round, slightly undulate and have well-defined veins. Their colour is dark green with a matte appearance, then a lighter green with a yellowish tinge. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of elongated mauve bells, clustered towards the top of the peduncles that emerge from the foliage. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant. The leathery leaves of the Hosta UFO are highly resistant to slugs.

The placement of the Hosta UFO must be carefully considered and wisely chosen, as this eye-catching plant takes up space. For example, it can be placed in isolation to highlight the curve of a shaded path, on the edge of a woodland, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile. This large hosta pairs well with tall ferns, high meadow rues, rodgersias, or bamboos in partial shade.

Most species found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas, known as 'urui' in Japan, are commonly consumed and are edible.