Hosta sieboldii Kabitan

Hosta sieboldii 'Kabitan', or Hosta albomarginata 'Kabitan', is a miniature hosta with crinkled and narrow lanceolate leaves, lemon-yellow with green margins, turning a cream colour in summer.  It produces lavender trumpet-shaped flowers on stalks in July and August. Delicate and bright, easy to grow and thrive in moist soil, it will be happy in large pots or containers, can serve as excellent ground cover, and bring an exotic touch to pond edges.

Hosta 'Kabitan' is a deciduous perennial, with a clump-forming habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the lily family or the hosta family depending on the classification. It is one of many hybrids obtained from the hybridisation of the variety 'Maekawa', itself descended from species native to Japan and China. The plant will reach a height of 20cm (8in) for the foliage, spreading over 40cm (16in). Hosta sieboldii 'Kabitan' has an upright cascading habit. Its longevity is excellent. It has elongated lanceolate leaves, initially lemon-yellow with fine green edges in spring, becoming cream with green margins in summer.  The plant retains its cream colour well in slightly sunny positions. Flower stalks rise above the foliage and display dense clusters of deep lavender flowers in July and August. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

Hosta sieboldii 'Kabitan' will pair well with ferns or eucomis in partial shade, creating an elegant and surprising effect with minimal maintenance. This hosta will also thrive alongside columbines, tall foxgloves, or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a special geranium compost to use during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot is possible. Then place a saucer under the pot and pour water into it, maintaining a constant level of water in summer.

Most species commonly found in Western 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.