Hosta Neptune

Hosta hybrid 'Neptune' is a large variety with an elegant shape, displaying slender and trailing leaves with undulate edges, which are bluish-green turning slightly greener in summer. It produces light lavender trumpet-shaped flowers in August. Easy to grow and thrive in damp soil, it will be happy in large pots or containers, can make an excellent groundcover, and bring an exotic touch to the edges of ponds.

Hosta hybrid 'Neptune' is a deciduous perennial, which appears in spring with a spreading habit. It belongs to the Hostaceae family. It is one of the many hybrids obtained from the hybridisation of the cultivars 'Maekawa' and Hosta tardiana 'Halcyon', descendants of species originating from Japan and China. The plant will reach a height of 60 cm (24in), spreading at least 80 cm (32in). The Hosta hybrid 'Neptune' is an elegant plant with a cascading erect habit. It has excellent longevity. It has elongated-lanceolate leaves with undulate and arching-trailing edges, initially a true blue in spring, becoming a blue tinged with a hint of green in summer. The plant retains its bluish colour well in slightly shaded to semi-shaded situations. In August, the floral stems rise from the foliage to a height of 0.80 to 1m (3ft) with lavender flowers borne in compact clusters. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

The Hosta hybrid 'Neptune' will associate well with helxine, ferns, and eucomis in semi-shade, creating an elegant and surprising effect, requiring little maintenance. This hosta will also be perfect when paired with columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.

Most species widespread in our gardens were introduced from Japan to Europe by Philipp Franz von Siebold in the mid-19th century. Hostas are edible and are called "urui" in Japan, where they are commonly consumed in various forms.