Hosta Silver Crown

Hostas are deciduous herbaceous perennial plants that reproduce from rootstocks and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Originally from East Asia, they were first brought back from Japan and then from Korea. But these members of the Liliaceae family are also found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Funkia or Plantain Lily because of their foliage.
Excellent plants for shade, they are cultivated for their highly decorative foliage. The satin green leaves with cream edges of the Hosta Silver Crown are deeply lobed and measure 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in). The parallel veins are very specific to this family. This variety spreads up to 70cm (28in) in width, making it an excellent ground cover. From July to August, a series of long spikes that overhang the leafy tuft bear a terminal cluster of amethyst-coloured flowers that are slightly pendulous and measure 2 to 3cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lilies, they are completely odourless. Hostas like rich loamy soils, even heavy and clayey ones, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will stay in place for years without requiring any special care.

Combine them with the gold of Geranium vivace phaeum Margaret Wilson, with wild garlic, with the old rose coloured flowers of Digitales mertonensis, or with the purple fronds of the Athyrium niponicum Pictum fern. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. Lobelia speciosa Russian Princess and the silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, will be excellent companions in the undergrowth. Also consider Heucheras and their amazing range of colours, or the delicate flowers of the fairy bells (Epimedium). These combinations will enhance the shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden, creating a pleasant shady haven in the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.

Important: the lighter the leaves of hostas, the more they tolerate sunlight. Dark leaves, especially blue ones, are more sensitive to it, and the heat causes them to lose the waxy film that gives them their colour. A few hours of partial sun per day is more than enough for these plants, which prefer semi-shade rather than full shade. In fact, without a minimum amount of sun, they will not bloom. It would be a shame to miss out on these magnificent flowers, so the challenge is to find a harmonious compromise between light and shade when choosing the planting position.