Hosta montana Yellow River

Hosta montana 'Yellow River' is distinguished in particular by a graceful spreading silhouette and strongly veined, shiny dark green foliage with beautifully undulating margins that are bright yellow turning cream in summer. From July to August, this compact bushy clump produces lavender bell-shaped flowers on pendulous spikes. It is one of the best selections of large hostas with yellow margins! It is a deciduous perennial with luxuriant foliage, perfect for filling out borders and beds in damp and shady areas.

Hosta 'Yellow River' is a hybrid or mutation of H. montana. This Hosta is a deciduous perennial that is very hardy, with leafy growth appearing only in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The moderate-growing plant reaches significant proportions, reaching 70 cm (28in) in height and 130 cm (51in) in spread. It is a long-lived plant with thick elongated oval leaves with a flat base, 30 cm (12in) tall and 20 cm (8in) wide, with strongly undulating bright margins tapering to pointed tips. Its lamina is pleated with 13 pairs of deep veins, giving it a ribbed appearance. Flower spikes from the centre of its variegated foliage emerge in summer, 80 cm (32in) tall, bearing bell-shaped clusters of flowers, with little fragrance.

Hostas thrive in damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they absolutely dislike drought and scorching sunlight. Afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, a thick mulch should be applied. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect for groundcover, borders, or shaded perennial borders, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to make blue colors turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colours change and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also enhances their flowering. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials.  Contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

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 of the species commonly found in our gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are known as urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.