Hosta Waterslide

Hosta Waterslide is a variety as unusual as it is charming, with its frizzy blue foliage that retains its beautiful colour throughout the growing season. It is a medium-sized hosta, with low and wide growth composed of long pointed leaves, strongly undulated at the edges and thick enough to discourage slugs. From this somewhat extravagant vegetation beautiful lavender flowers emerge in late summer. Whether planted in the ground or in pots, this perennial will catch the eye. Place it at the edge of a woodland scene, in a contemporary or Japanese-style bed, always in shade or partial shade, planted in moist but well-drained soil. 

This Hosta, or Funkia Waterslide is a fully hardy perennial from the lily family or the hosta family depending on classifications. The plant shows a spreading dome-like habit from spring onwards. When matured in 5 or 6 years, it will reach a height of 35cm (14in) and can spread up to 80cm (32in) if the conditions are right. It is a long-lived variety, with narrow lanceolate-shaped leaves that taper to a point. The lamina is very thick, with well-visible parallel veins and strongly undulated edges. Flowering usually takes place in August-September, in the form of elongated and pendulous bells, clustered towards the top of 42cm (17in) peduncles that emerge from the foliage. This perennial slowly spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries. All above-ground deciduous vegetation disappears in winter.

Hostas are traditionally planted under deciduous trees, in moist beds or rockeries, and especially near water features. It is a perennial that can be grown in pots and even as a standalone plant. Hosta Waterslide pairs well with ferns, heucheras, caladiums, and astilbes, for example, as these plants thrive in similar environments. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden coloured ornamental grasses, preferably Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, brunneras and creeping bugles as companions for this plant.