Hosta Alligator Alley

The Hosta 'Alligator Alley' is a variety of beautiful stature that does not go unnoticed in the garden. Its thick and leathery leaves have a wavy texture and are magnificently variegated. They feature a flamed cream centre that turns bright yellow in summer and are irregularly margined with dark green-blue. Above the vegetation, almost white flower stalks stand tall and erect. Like all hostas, this cultivar thrives in partial shade, in soil that remains moist in summer.

The Hosta 'Alligator Alley' is a seedling of the variety 'Dick Ward' that was selected in the U.S.A by Walters Garden. The Hosta, or Funkia, is a deciduous perennial that emerges from the ground in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. With vigorous growth, the Hosta 'Alligator Alley' forms a large clump of leaves, reaching 50 cm (20in) in height and 90 cm (35in) in spread. It is a plant with a good longevity that bears thick, ovate leaves with cordate bases, strongly wavy, smooth margins, and pointed tips. Its lamina is traversed by 12 pairs of deep veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage, flower stalks measuring approximately 70 cm (28in) in height emerge in July-August, bearing racemes of bell-shaped, non-fragrant flowers. Pale lavender when in bud, they become white when fully open.

Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained, and rich soils. These plants dislike drought and scorching exposures. A location exposed to afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. With their generous and decorative foliage, hostas are perfect as ground cover, in borders, or in shaded to semi-shaded beds. Combine hostas with each other, associate them with ferns, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as creeping bugles and dead nettles. This way, you will enhance shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden, creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Around a pond, plant them with bistorts, sedges, and astilbes.

Did you know? Most species commonly found in Western gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.