Hosta Robert Frost

Hosta 'Robert Frost' is a luxurious variety with sumptuous variegated foliage that appears frost-covered in spring. Its large undulate and puckered leaves are a dark icy blue-green, margined and softened with tender cream-white. In the centre of a cluster of thick leaves, pale almost double and fragrant flower spikes emerge in summer. 'Robert Frost' is a majestic variety with a theatric temperament, destined to become a focal point in shaded areas. Best grown in ordinary moist soil, preferably in partial shade or morning sun to enhance the beauty of the foliage.

Hostas are deciduous perennial plants that belong to the lily family, or hostaceae. Hosta 'Robert Frost' stands out with its tall stature and rare variegated foliage. It is a robust and long-lived plant. The plant will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) or more, with a spread of 50 cm (20in) when in bloom. It forms a wide clump, wider than it is tall. Its foliage is deciduous, broad, oval to lanceolate in shape, with very prominent veins. The lamina is thick and puckered. Pale yellow to white margins surround areas of deep blue-green, silver-dusted in spring, which turns variegated green in summer as the margins widen and fade. Note that the foliage colours and contrast of colours are enhanced with slightly sunny exposure. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of lightly scented bell-shaped flowers. They are double, very pale lavender in colour, pendulous, and clustered towards the top of peduncles that can reach a height of 80 cm (32in).

Native to China, Korea, and Japan, Hostas are very hardy plants. They are most commonly found as groundcover under deciduous trees, in damp borders or rockeries, and along edges, especially near ornamental ponds. Hosta 'Robert Frost' pairs well with alchemillas, lungworts, helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, forming beautiful colourful duos that require minimal maintenance. It will also look stunning on a dark-coloured mulch, alongside columbines and tall digitalis or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.

The majority of species widespread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.