Hosta Grey Beauty

As its name suggests, Hosta 'Grey Beauty' is a unique variety due to the magnificent grey-green colour of its foliage! This deciduous perennial forms a clump of lanceolate leaves with a fairly smooth texture, only interrupted by charming undulations that reveal a lighter, whitish underside. Being small in size and medium to slow-growing, it is perfect for growing in pots on a balcony or as border plants in a shaded terrace or small garden. Hosta is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in well-drained, rich, and moist soil.

Hosta 'Grey Beauty' is a seedling of Hosta sieboldiana. This Hosta, is a deciduous and very hardy perennial that forms its compact bushy clump of foliage in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant is very small, reaching 30 cm (12in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. It is a long-lasting plant with thick, lanceolate leaves with cordate bases, highly undulated and ending in elongated tips. From the centre of its variegated foliage, from July to August, emerge Inflorescences that bear lavender bell-shaped clusters of flowers, which are lightly scented.

Hostas prefer damp, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil, and they absolutely dislike drought and scorching exposures. Avoid placing them in a spot that receives afternoon sunlight, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick layer of mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as groundcovers, in borders, or in partly shaded to shaded flower beds where other plants struggle to grow. They thrive in sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Blue and green-leaved varieties tolerate denser shade better. Sun tends to turn blue colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in semi-shade, where their colours transform and lighten with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun exposure allows optimal development of these perennials and also enhances their flowering. Gastropods (slugs and snails) particularly enjoy 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 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 species commonly found in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.