Hosta Green Gold

Hosta 'Green Gold' is a classic and essential variety, both for its robustness and its highly decorative leaves! It forms a compact bushy clump of ovate, deeply veined and puckered leaves, often held in cups. They are deep dark green enhanced by a fine creamy yellow border which turns pure white. Its flowers appear from July to August, with tall pale lavender bell-shaped inflorescences. This medium-sized perennial has rapid and vigorous growth, resistant to both slugs and direct sunlight. Ideal for borders, mass planting, around a water feature or in woodland, it is also suitable for container cultivation. Plant in moist, well-drained and rich soil, in partial shade to full shade.

This Hosta is a deciduous very hardy perennial, with foliage emerging only in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant will reach 60 cm (24in) in height and 90 cm (35in) in spread. It is a long-lived plant with thick, cordate oval leaves that are slightly undulate, well-veined and puckered, ending in elongated tips. Flower stems, about 80 cm (32in) tall, emerge from the centre of its variegated foliage in July-August, bearing clusters of lavender bell-shaped flowers which are slightly fragrant.

Hostas like damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposure to the sun. A location exposed to afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as groundcover, in borders, or in partially shaded or shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They like sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade the best. Sun tends to turn blue colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, exposure to morning sunlight allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. This variety is slug resistant.

Combine them in mixed groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other low-growing groundcover perennials such as creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. The silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, familiar to woodland areas, 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 spread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas, which are edible, are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.