Hosta Bridal Falls

The Hosta 'Bridal Falls' is a superb variegated cultivar. It is a shade plant that forms a large cascading clump of deeply veined and undulate leaves. The leaves are matt green in the centre and broadly margined with cream to white cream. Its summer flowering, with bell-shaped spikes in shades of purple, adds to its charm. This characterful plant deserves a prime location, whether in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace.

This Hosta, or Funkia, 'Bridal Falls' is a completely hardy perennial that belongs to the lily or hosta family. This 2014 variety, derived from the Hosta 'Niagara Falls', develops a rounded and cascading clump in spring. The plant, reaching maturity in 5 years, reaches 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32in) in height and 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft) in width under good conditions. Its large oval leaves measure up to 38 cm (15in) long and 25 cm (10in) wide. They are heart-shaped with highly undulate edges and deeply veined. Their colour is matte green in the centre spreading over most of the leaf. In spring, it is edged with a wide cream yellow margin that later turns creamy white. Flowering occurs in July-August in the form of elongated mauve bells, clustered towards the top of the peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

On the edge of woodland, sheltered from the wind, in partial shade, where the soil is deep and fertile, this large hosta will pair well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, creating beautiful scenes that require little maintenance. It also pairs well with acteas with purple foliage, columbines, and tall foxgloves. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a large pot for 'Bridal Falls' and use a special geranium potting mix. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you pour the water, keeping the level constant in summer.