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Hosta So Sweet

Hosta So Sweet
Plantain Lily, Funkia

5 reviews

4,0/5

2 reviews

0 reviews

1 reviews

0 reviews

Water received in March last year, in good condition, fast delivery, the leafage was starting. I was able to enjoy its beautiful leafage, the scent of its flowers that last quite a long time, and its relatively compact pruning for a pot. It's now November, the leaves are starting to dry up, but the plant remains pleasant to look at. Ideal for my balcony in a shaded area. Can't wait to see it shoot again next spring!

Daniel, 15/11/2021

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Variety with green foliage marginate with yellow and then white.

Flower size

3 cm

Height at maturity

40 cm

Spread at maturity

30 cm

Exposure

Partial shade, Shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -29°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Best planting time March to April, September

Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

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Flowering time July to August

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Description

The Hosta 'So Sweet' is a small variety that develops elongated, smooth and shiny-textured leaves, which host fabulous color variations. The leaves emerge variegated green with yellow edges and as the foliage develops, the variegation turns to cream and then to white. This small hosta shows a medium to slow growth and is adorned with pretty white flowers in summer, slightly fragrant. Hostas are easy to grow and succeed as perennials in cool areas, filling them with their strong presence while bringing a beautiful touch of light to shaded areas of the garden.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial, having a wide clump habit starting from spring. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. The plant will reach a height of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) and 50 cm (20in) when flowering, spreading at least 30 cm (12in), quite slowly. It forms a clump wider than it is tall. It is a plant of good longevity, with fine heart-shaped deciduous leaves ending in a tapered tip, with visible veins. The lamina is thick and traversed by visible veins. From the heart of its variegated and ever-changing foliage, tall floral spikes of 50 cm (20in) emerge in summer, bearing racemes of delicately scented white flowers.

Pair Hosta 'So Sweet' with the gold of Géranium phaeum 'Margaret Wilson', the old pink of Digitalis mertonensis, or the purple fronds of the Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' fern. All are highly effective as slug repellents. The silvered leaves of Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', woodland plants, will be excellent companions. Also consider the Heucheras and their wonderful range of colors, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (Epimediums). This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden by creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.

To know: Most species commonly found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.

Hosta So Sweet in pictures

Flowering

Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour white

Flowering time July to August

Inflorescence Cluster

Flower size 3 cm

Fragrance Fragrant, Orange blossom

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour variegated

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm

Spread at maturity 30 cm

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Hosta

Cultivar

So Sweet

Family

Liliaceae - Hostaceae

Other common names

Plantain Lily, Funkia

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 92932

Planting and care

Hostas are planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, rich, humus-bearing, loose soil, preferably neutral to acidic (at least low in limestone), moist to wet throughout the year. Plant them in partial shade or dappled shade and in a sheltered location away from strong winds.

Prepare a planting hole of 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in) x 20 cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts compost with crumbled soil, partially backfill the hole, and place your plant with its root ball so that the top of the root ball is covered with 3 cm (1in) of soil. The addition of a basal fertilizer (dehydrated blood, horn powder) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firm the soil and water generously to eliminate any air pockets. If the weather is dry, you will need to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate the establishment of your plant. Also, water regularly in case of a dry summer.

With their common preference for damp places, slugs and snails are never far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appetizing to slugs, these plants must be protected from gastropods. Protect your hosta plants by surrounding them with ferramol-based pellets (approved for Organic Agriculture), eggshells, coffee grounds, wood chips, or any dry and rough natural substance that repels them. Hedgehogs are the gardener's best allies in the fight against gastropods, as they do not disturb the soil like chickens and do not attack the lush green shoots of young plants. Lastly, some plants have a repulsive odor for slugs, such as Artemisia and garlic.