The Hosta Plants

Hostas are very hardy plants, to both winter temperatures and summer heat. Although hostas have attractive lavender or white lily-like flowers during late summer, they are mostly grown for their outstanding foliage. Size and coloring of foliage varies between species. In some types, leaves may be a foot or more in length and almost as wide. In others, leaves are much smaller and twisted. Foliage colors range from dark green to blue-green, yellow green, green with white margins and leaves variegated with white and cream.

Hosta species grow best in semi-shade and in soils with plenty of organic matter. However, they will tolerate many other situations. In fairly heavy shade, plants survive with foliage that becomes deeper green, but flowers will be sparse or absent. Hostas also survive full sun, but during hot weather or drought, leaves burn severely, particularly on variegated types. Any species will scorch if conditions become too hot or too dry.

Perhaps the greatest objection to hostas is that they are killed to the ground during winter and, although the crown and root system still hold the soil, the ground looks bare and unattractive until they begin growth again in the spring. Hostas may be started from seeds and should flower two to three years after seeding. Most often, however, gardeners purchase divisions from established plants. These develop to flowering size much more quickly.

Hostas are one of the best low maintenance perennials with few insect or disease problems. Although clumps enlarge, they do not become invasive and crowd out nearby plants. Clumps may remain undisturbed for many years before dividing is necessary. Many attractive hosta species are available to provide dramatic shade effects. The naming in hostas is inconsistent. They may still be found listed under the old name, funkia, as well as plantain-lily and hosta. Species names have also changed through time. Some species may be found under several names. Several outstanding varieties are available with dark green leaves and white margins. Thomas Hogg, albo-marginata and marginato-alba are varieties with this coloring from different species.

Among the most striking hostas are those wit blue-grey leaves. The siebold plantain lily, Hosta siebodiana, is one of the best, with leaves 10 to 15 inches long and 6 to 10 inches wide. It may still be found listed under the botanical name, Hosta glauca. Fortune's hosta is another species with grey-green leaves. Among the smaller growing hostas is the green and white species Hosta undulta, sometimes called the wavy-leaved hosta. Leaves are only 6 to 8 inches long about 5 inches wide.

Lavender flowers are produced on scapes 2 to 3 feet tall. The variegated leaves are quite attractive, forming a dense clump. It is best for shade, since leaves burn easily if exposed to too much sun. The favorite hosta for Victorian gardens was the fragrant hosta, Hosta plantaginea. The white lily-like flowers are scented and 4 to 5 inches long. Leaves are large, green and very durable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosta