Hosta Diamond Lake

The Hosta 'Diamond Lake' is an uncommon "blue" variety with great ornamental value. It is a vigorous plant that develops abundant vegetation composed of large heart-shaped leaves covered in blue wax, particularly embossed and undulate, resembling those of a cabbage. They are thick enough to deter slugs. From the vegetation emerge lavender flower spikes in summer. This magnificent perennial will make a sensation in woodland borders, contemporary or Japanese-style beds, and of course in a large pot on a shaded terrace.

This Hosta, or Funkia 'Diamond Lake' is a completely hardy perennial from the lily family or hosta family according to classifications. It is a hybrid resulting from Hosta 'Niagara Falls', H. 'Neptune', and H. 'Fulda'. The plant shows, from spring onwards, a wide clumping habit. As an adult in 5 or 6 years, it will reach a height of 55 cm (22in) and can spread over 1 m (3ft) if conditions are right. It is a long-lived variety, with heart-shaped leaves measuring up to 26 cm (10in) in length and 22 cm (9in) in width. The lamina is very thick, highly embossed, with a well-undulated edge. Flowering usually takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated mauve bells grouped towards the top of emerging peduncles. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. All the above-ground deciduous vegetation disappears in winter.

Traditionally, hostas are planted under deciduous trees, in cool beds or in rockeries and borders, especially near water features. It is a perennial that can be grown very well in pots and even as a standalone plant. The Hosta 'Diamond Lake' pairs well with ferns, foamflowers, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate the same environments. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden false grasses, preferably Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, Caucasian forget-me-nots, and creeping bugles as companions.