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Hosta Stand by Me

Hosta Stand by Me
Funkia, Plantain Lily

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

A medium to small-sized variety, with upright leaves that are more or less chartreuse-green to yellow in colour, presenting a very irregular blue-green border with numerous stripes towards the centre. Its growth, which forms a dense clump, is adorned with pale lavender flowers in summer. This hardy perennial can be easily cultivated in shade or partial shade, in any rich and moist soil.

Height at maturity

35 cm

Spread at maturity

50 cm

Exposure

Partial shade, Shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -29°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time January

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time July to August

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Description

Hosta Stand by Me, a magnificent descendant of the Hosta June, has inherited its beautiful range of colours, but this variety has a very different habit, forming a compact clump with more upright leaves of a different shape. On these leaves, the bluish-green is extensively variegated with cream and golden-yellow flames in the centre, creating a very beautiful two-tone effect. Ash grey flowers accompany the foliage in July-August. Easy to grow in moist soil and partial shade, this hosta is a reliable and vigorous variety that brings an exotic and refined touch to the garden. It will look stunning in a contemporary or Japanese-style border, and of course in a large pot on a shaded terrace.

This Hosta, or Funkia Stand by Me, is a fully hardy perennial from the liliaceae or hostaceae family depending on the classification. The plant forms a profusion of leaves from spring onwards. When fully grown in 5 or 6 years, it will reach approximately 35cm (14in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width, if the conditions are right. It is a long-lived variety, with elongated heart-shaped leaves that measure up to 20cm (8in) in length and 15cm (6in) in width. The lamina is thick, slightly concave, and traversed by numerous parallel veins. Flowering usually occurs in July-August, in the form of elongated pale mauve bells, clustered towards the top of peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and disappearing in winter.

Traditionally, hostas are planted under deciduous trees, in moist borders or rockeries, and especially near water features. It is a perennial that can also be grown in containers and even as a standalone plant. Hosta Stand by Me pairs well with ferns, foamflowers, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate similar conditions. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden false grasses, preferably Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, Brunneras, and creeping bugles as companion plants.

Hosta Stand by Me in pictures

Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour mauve

Flowering time July to August

Inflorescence Spike

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour variegated

Plant habit

Height at maturity 35 cm

Spread at maturity 50 cm

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Hosta

Cultivar

Stand by Me

Family

Liliaceae - Hostaceae

Other common names

Funkia, Plantain Lily

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 165181

Planting and care

Hostas are best planted in spring or autumn. Hostas prefer a deep, fertile, humus-rich, loose soil, preferably neutral to acidic (at least low in limestone), and 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 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in) x 20cm (8in). If your soil is heavy, mix equal parts compost with crumbled soil, partially backfill the hole, and place your plant in a clump so that the top of the clump is covered with 3cm (1in) of soil. Adding a slow-release fertiliser (such as bonemeal) will nourish your plant during its rooting period without the risk of burning. Make sure to position the collar well above ground level. Firmly tamp the soil and water thoroughly to eliminate 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 during dry summers.

With their shared preference for moist locations, slugs and snails never stray far from hostas. Even though blue or variegated hostas often have thicker and tougher foliage, which is less appetising to slugs, these plants still need protection from gastropods. Protect your hosta plants by surrounding them with 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 don't till the soil like chickens do and they don't attack the tender green shoots of young plants. Finally, some plants have a repulsive odour to slugs, such as wormwood and garlic.