Hosta White On

Hosta 'White On' is a little-known variety, of medium size, with large thick, ovate-lanceolate leaves, with well-defined veins, becoming deeply ridged when mature. They are uniformly green with irregular grey-green streaks and a pure white margin. Its flowers are pure white and emerge in July-August. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained and fertile soils, in shade or partial shade. Use it for borders or in shaded flower beds.

Hosta 'White On' is a mutation of H. 'On Sport', almost identical to H. 'Mountain Snow'. Hosta, also known as Funkia, is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, producing its decorative leafy clump every spring to enhance shady areas until winter arrives. It belongs to the asparagus family. With a moderate speed of growth, Hosta 'White On' forms a compact bushy clump, reaching 40cm (16in) in height and 70cm (28in) in spread. It is a plant with a good lifespan, bearing small, thick, ovate-lanceolate leaves with slightly undulate margins. The leaf blades are pleated by deep veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage, erect flower stalks emerge in mid-summer, bearing clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which are lightly scented.

Hostas prefer moist, well-drained and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposures. Avoid planting them in locations exposed to the afternoon sun or direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground cover, in borders or in partially shaded to fully shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They thrive in sheltered and moist locations such as under trees. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. The sun tends to turn blue colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, exposure to morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. For varieties with less tough leaves, provide a hemp mulch or a mineral mulch such as gravel, which will deter these pests. It should be noted that frogs and hedgehogs are their natural predators, so their presence is beneficial for the garden's balance of fauna.

Combine them in groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as bugleweed, geraniums, and dead nettles. All of these are highly effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse' will be an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras with their incredible range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. Golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. With these combinations, you can enhance shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden, creating a pleasant haven for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs that appear in late spring, just in time to cover fading plants with their generous foliage! Around a pond, plant them with knotweeds, sedges, and astilbes. Blue foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples, as well as with the golden yellow foliage of Hakone grasses and heucheras.

Did you know: Most of the species found in Western gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.