Hosta Warwick Delight

Hosta 'Warwick Delight' is a miniature variety with a very precious appearance that will delight collectors and enthusiasts of curiosities. The plant forms a bouquet of small leaves shaped like a spade, with the lamina mostly white, surrounded by thin, irregular variegated margins of very dark green and grey-green. Its summer flowering is lavender blue. This variety shows slow growth and can sometimes be a bit delicate to cultivate. It is best planted in a nice pot or in a shaded rock garden, which allows one to care for it while admiring its extraordinary foliage up close.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial that has a low, compact habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. 'Warwick Delight' is one of the smallest varieties. The plant will reach a height of 15cm (6in) and 25 to 35cm (10 to 14in) when in flower, spreading to about 30cm (12in), slowly. This slow growth is explained by the presence of large white areas on the leaves, which are low in, or devoid of chlorophyll. This pigment, present only in the green areas of the leaves, plays a major role in plant metabolism (similar to hemoglobin in mammals) and in the development of plant tissues. Nevertheless, it is a long-lived plant, provided it receives appropriate care. Its small deciduous leaves are thick in texture, with visible veins, rounded and ending in a pointed tip. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of small pendulous lavender-blue bells, grouped towards the top of the peduncles.

The hybrid Hosta 'Warwick Delight' will grow well in partial shade, in a rock garden, with many small perennials such as ferns, epimediums, and saxifrages, creating beautiful contrasts and requiring little maintenance. It will also look good alongside columbines, pansies, and small violets. It can also be paired with partial shade shrubs like Mexican orange, variegated hollies, and azaleas. Growing in pots is highly recommended for this variety, which requires a little attention. It can remain in the same container for several years without any inconvenience. A special geranium potting mix should be chosen and used during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering can be done from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you will pour the water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

Most of the species found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.