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Hosta Formal Attire

Hosta Formal Attire
Plantain Lily, Funkia

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More information

This variety is distinguished by its large heart-shaped foliage that changes from dark blue-green with a cream-yellow edge to dark green with a white edge in summer. Its thick leaves are quite resistant to slug attacks. From June to July, it produces particularly tall clusters of very pale lavender flowers. It is a large hosta with fast growth, making it an interesting groundcover in borders or around a pond in partial shade. 
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
70 cm
Spread at maturity
80 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

Hosta 'Formal Attire' is a variety that stands out for its large heart-shaped foliage changing from dark blue-green with a cream-yellow border to dark green with a white border in summer. Its thick leaves are quite resistant to slug attacks. From June to July, it has particularly tall clusters of very pale lavender flowers. It is a large and fast-growing hosta that forms an interesting groundcover in borders or around a pond in partial shade.

 

This Hosta, is a cross between H. 'Breeder's Choice' and H. 'Frances Williams'. It is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, with its leafy clump only appearing in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant forms a low and wide clump reaching 40 cm (16in) tall and 90 cm (35in) wide. It is a long-lived plant with thick, cordate leaves that become slightly puckered at maturity and end in a pointed tip. The leaf blade is marked by 12 pairs of deep veins. From the centre of its variegated foliage, in July-August, emerge 95 cm (37in) tall flower stalks, bearing racemes of bell-shaped flowers that are slightly fragrant.

 

Hostas thrive in damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they absolutely dislike drought and scorching sunlight. Afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, a thick mulch should be applied. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect for groundcover, borders, or shaded perennial borders, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to make blue colors turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colours change and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also enhances their flowering. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials.  Contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

 

Combine them in groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing groundcover perennials such as creeping bugle, geraniums, and lamiums. All of these are highly effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, which is familiar in woodland settings, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. Hostas also thrive in pots that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs, appearing in late spring to cover faded plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. The blue-toned leaves harmonise perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

 

Did you know: Most of the species commonly found in our gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are known as urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.

 

 

Hosta Formal Attire in pictures

Hosta Formal Attire (Flowering) Flowering
Hosta Formal Attire (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 5 cm
Fragrance Fragrant, Orange blossom

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour variegated with white

Plant habit

Height at maturity 70 cm
Spread at maturity 80 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Hosta

Cultivar

Formal Attire

Family

Liliaceae - Hostaceae

Other common names

Plantain Lily, Funkia

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference883561

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Planting and care

Hostas can be planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, humus-rich, loose soil, which is preferably neutral to acidic and moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial shade or partial shade and in a sheltered position away from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole of 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix half compost with crumbled soil, partially backfill, and place your plant in a clump so that the top of the clump is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. The addition of a fertiliser (bonemeal) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Ensure that the collar is well above ground level. Firm the soil and water generously to eliminate air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to help the establishment of your plant. Also, water regularly in case of a dry summer.

With their preference for humid areas, slugs and snails never stray too far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appetising to slugs, these plants must be protected from gastropods. Protect your hostas by surrounding them with granules approved in organic agriculture, eggshells, coffee grounds, mulch, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in the fight against gastropods because, unlike chickens, they do not dig up the soil and do not attack the lush green shoots of young plants. Finally, some plants have a repellent odour for slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 2 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Fertile, damp and well-drained.

Care

Pruning instructions Cut off the faded flowers and remove any dead or damaged leaves to encourage the development of the leaves.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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