Hosta fortunei hyacinthina

Hostas are perennial herbaceous plants with deciduous foliage that reproduce from rhizomes and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Native to East Asia, they were first brought back from Japan and then from Korea. However, these plants can also be found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Plantain Lily because of their foliage.
Plants for shade, they are cultivated for their highly decorative foliage. The glossy green leaves of Hosta fortunei var hyacinthina are deeply veined and measure an average of 20 cm (8in). The parallel vein pattern is very specific to this family. This variety spreads up to 100 cm (39in) in width, making it an excellent groundcover. From June to July, a series of long stems, well above the leafy clump, bear a terminal cluster of pendulous amethyst flowers measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lily flowers, they have no scent. Hostas thrive in rich loamy soils, even heavy and clay ones, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will stay in place for years without requiring special care.

Pair them with the gold of perennial Geranium phaeum Margaret Wilson, wild garlic, the old rose of Digitalis mertonensis, or the purple fronds of Athyrium niponicum Pictum fern. All are very effective as slug repellents. The silvered leaves of Lobelia speciosa Russian Princess and Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, familiar in understorey planting, will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their fantastic range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. These plants will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.

Important to note: the lighter the leaves of hostas, the less they fear sunlight. Darker leaves, especially blue ones, are more sensitive to it, and the heat causes them to lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of sunlight per day, even partial, are more than enough for these plants that prefer shade rather than full shade. In fact, without a minimum of sunlight, they will not flower. It would be a shame to miss out on these beautiful flowers and the answer is to find a harmonious compromise between light and darkness.