Hosta tardiana June Fever

Hosta 'June Fever', derived from the excellent H. 'June', has a more compact habit and more golden foliage, which adds brightness to the shaded areas that this perennial loves. Its beautifully patterned leaves have a golden yellow centre that turns chartreuse green during the season, with the thin dark green border sometimes extending towards the central vein. A lovely plant for cool shade, at the edge of a bed or in a pot.

Hostas are deciduous perennial plants that belong to the Asparagaceae family. 'June Fever' is part of a line of hybrids obtained in the 2000s from Hosta 'Halcyon'. It has good longevity and will reach about 35cm (14in) in height. It forms a compact clump, wider than tall. Its foliage is deciduous, thick, heart-shaped with a tapering tip, and bears visible parallel veins. Note that the foliage colouration and contrast of colours vary depending on the age of the leaf and are accentuated in a slightly sunny exposure. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of pendulous lavender bells carried by 60cm (24in) tall stems that rise well above the foliage. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

Originating from China, Korea, and Japan, hostas are very hardy plants. They are mostly found as ground cover under deciduous trees, in cool beds or in rockeries and borders, especially near ornamental ponds. 'June Fever' will pair well with lady's mantle, lungworts, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautifully coloured duos that require little maintenance. It will also look great on a dark-coloured mulch. All hostas thrive in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. As long as the foliage is not too dense, water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot and maintain a constant level of water during summer. The beautifully patterned heart-shaped leaves of this variety can be used for fresh bouquets.