Hosta June

The 'Hosta June' is a remarkable descendant of the 'Halcyon' variety. It boasts sumptuous foliage, featuring large heart-shaped leaves painted in grey-green-blue and irregularly adorned with cream, golden yellow, and light green flames at the centre for a truly stunning effect. The plant comes to life in July-August with mauve-grey flower spikes. Although it has a slow growth rate, 'June' establishes itself permanently and easily in a cool spot. This magnificent plant adds a refined touch of exoticism to any garden. To showcase the beauty of its foliage, it is best to place it in partial shade or the morning sun.

Hostas, also known as Plantain Lilies, are deciduous perennial plants that belong to the lily family or Hostaceae. Hosta tardiana 'June' is a hybrid obtained in the 2000s from Hosta 'Halcyon' known for its longevity. It reaches a height of 40 cm (15.7 in) and forms a wide clump that is wider than it is tall. The heart-shaped foliage has tapering tips and visible veins. The blue-green edges, veined with grey, surround green, cream, or yellow areas that appear hand-painted. The colours and contrasts of the leaves are more intense when planted in a slightly sunny exposure. This thick foliage is resistant to attacks from gastropods. The plant produces pale lavender bell-shaped flowers that are pendulous and somewhat taller than the foliage in July-August. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries.

Hostas are hardy plants originating from China, Korea, and Japan. They are usually found as ground cover under deciduous trees, in cool beds, or rockeries and borders, particularly near ornamental ponds. The hybrid Hosta 'June' is an excellent choice for partial shade and pairs well with alchemillas, lungworts, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica. These plant combinations create beautiful colour duos that require minimal maintenance. Hostas thrive in dark-coloured mulch and can be paired with columbines, tall digitalis, or tiny violets. Hostas grow well in pots and remain in the same container for several years. Watering the plants from above the pot is essential as long as the foliage is not too dense. Place a saucer under the pot and maintain a constant level of water in the summer.

Most plant species commonly found in Western gardens were initially introduced from Japan. Hostas, also known as "urui" in Japan, are edible and are often consumed there.