Hosta Snow Cap

Hosta 'Snow Cap' is a medium-sized variety that develops thick, large, plicate, heart-shaped leaves, in the centre of which can be seen a green-grey area that becomes more bluish in summer, whose pattern resembles the silhouette of an oak leaf. The leaf surface is widely and irregularly bordered by yellow-green flames that become cream-yellow. This variety grows slowly and blooms in July-August, with beautiful white, waxy bell-shaped flowers. This perennial is easy to grow and thrives in moist soil, and will be a major asset to liven up a shaded area, or the surroundings of a pond.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial, with a wide clumping habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. 'Snow Cap' reaches a height of 45 to 50cm (18 to 20in) and a width of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in), slowly increasing over the years. The plant forms a clump of leaves wider than it is tall. It is a long-lived plant, with large, broad, deciduous heart-shaped leaves, wavy in appearance, entire or sometimes divided into 3 lobes. The leaf is thick and traversed by prominent veins. In spring, the margins are a chartreuse-yellow hue, then under the effect of summer heat, they turn cream-yellow and expand at the expense of the bluish centre of the leaves, which becomes more glaucous. From the centre of its variegated foliage, floral stems emerge in July-August, bearing clusters of pendulous bell-shaped flowers that are barely touched by lavender, grouped towards the top. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

The hybrid Hosta 'Snow Cap' can be paired with many partial shade perennials, such as astilbes, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will look impressive when accompanied by columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be combined with partial shade shrubs such as Mexican orange blossoms, variegated hollies, and azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. A special geranium potting soil should be chosen and used during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering can be done from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you pour water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

Most species widespread in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan where they are commonly consumed.