Hosta Radiant Edger - Plantain Lily

Hosta 'Radiant Edger' is a variety derived from a mutation of H. 'Gold Edger' that stands out due to its captivating variegation in light shades of green and yellow! Its leaves are a medium green very broadly edged with chartreuse that regularly radiates towards the centre, turning golden in summer. This hardy perennial bears heart-shaped, very thick, crinkled leaves that are lightly folded into charming cups. In summer, it produces lavender tubular flowers, clustered at the top of tall spikes. This cultivar forms an exceptionally regular and compact bushy clump, ideal for borders or en masse to brighten up a dark corner of the garden. Plant it in moist, well-drained, rich soil, in shade or partial shade. 'Radiant Edger' tolerates a more sunny exposure.

Hostas prefer moist, well-drained, rich soils, absolutely hating drought and scorching exposures. An area exposed to afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In warmer and drier regions, a thick mulch is advisable. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground cover, in borders or in beds in partial shade, or even shaded, where other plants struggle to grow. They thrive in sheltered and cool locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to wash out blue colours. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade where their colours transform, becoming lighter with increased sunlight. Generally, morning sun exposure promotes optimal growth for these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, and contemporary hybridisation aims to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

Hosta 'Radiant Edger', also known as Funkia, is a very hardy perennial, producing its leafy clump only from spring. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae family. It rapidly forms a cushion reaching 30 cm high and 60 cm wide. It is a plant of good longevity bearing very thick cordate leaves measuring 10 cm long and 7.5 cm wide. Its leaf is slightly marked by 8 pairs of veins. Flower spikes averaging 55 cm in height, bearing racemes of bell-shaped, slightly fragrant flowers emerge from the heart of its foliage in summer. The very thick leaves of 'Radiant Edger' are highly resistant to slugs.

Combine them in masses with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other lower ground cover perennials, such as creeping bugle, geraniums, and lamiums. All are very effective as slug repellents. The familiar silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse from woodlands will make excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful colour palette, or the delicate elf-flowers (Epidendrons). The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. This will enhance the shady and slightly moist areas of the garden, creating a pleasant, cool haven for the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots which should be placed in partial shade and watered very regularly. Hostas elegantly accompany late spring bulbs appearing at the perfect time to cover the faded plants with their generous foliage! Around a pond, plant them with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. L

Note: Most of the species commonly found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible hostas are referred to as urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.