Hosta fortunei Francee

The Hosta 'Francee' is a remarkable variety in more than one way. Beautiful, lush, this variety develops a superb heart-shaped foliage that is nicely variegated and retains its color in the sun. Its large smooth leaves are a soft olive green to grey and irregularly edged with white. In summer, its clusters of lovely lavender flowers can be used in bouquets. Very beautiful and sturdy, this excellent variety also resists gastropod appetites quite well. It is easy to grow and succeeds in cool soil, in all exposures.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy, deciduous perennial that, from spring, has a clumping habit. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. The plant will reach 60 cm (24in) in height and 70-80 cm (28-32in) in flower, spreading over 70-80 cm (28-32in). It forms a wide clump, wider than it is tall. It is a plant with a good lifespan, with deciduous elongated heart-shaped foliage with visible veins. The lamina, measuring up to 18 cm (7in) long, is thick and smooth. The white to cream margins will spread more or less from the leaf edges, extending to the central vein on some of them. This thick foliage resists gastropod attacks well and does not burn in the sun. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of pendulous lavender bells, grouped towards the top of the peduncles, which can reach 80 cm (32in) in height. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

The 'Francee' Hosta will go well in partial shade with helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colorful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look great with columbines, tall foxgloves, or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a special geranium potting soil to use during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you will pour water, keeping the level constant in summer.

Most species commonly found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.