Hosta Coast to Coast

The Hosta 'Coast to Coast' is a fantastic variety that combines lushness, colouration, and good resistance to slugs. The plant forms a luxurious clump of leaves with an open habit that dresses in gold. As the leaves age, they thicken and become pleated, their edges become undulate, and their undersides almost white. Its summer flowering, in spikes adorned with pale lavender bells, adds to its charm. This wonderful plant deserves a prime location, in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace, in partial shade or even in full shade.

This Hosta, or Funkia 'Coast to Coast', is a mutation with golden foliage from the 'Manhattan' Hosta. It is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the lily family or Hostaceae. This variety shows, from spring onwards, a tall and wide clump habit. The plant, mature in 5 or 6 years, will reach a height of 75 cm (30in) with a spread of 90 cm (35in), if the conditions are right. It is a long-lived plant, with large heart-shaped leaves and well-marked veins. Yellow-gold in colour in spring, they lighten in summer while changing texture. This thick summer foliage withstands attacks from gastropods. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of small bells clustered towards the top of the peduncles that slightly emerge from the foliage. Each flower, mauve in colour, is supported by a large mauve-brown bract. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

The planting of the 'Coast to Coast' Hosta must be carefully considered and wisely chosen, as the plant takes up some space and attracts all eyes. It can, for example, be placed in isolation, to emphasize the curve of a shaded alley, on the edge of a woodland, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile. This large hosta will pair well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms lovely colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also be advantageous in the company of 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 very large pot for 'Coast to Coast' and use a special geranium potting soil during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from above the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you will pour the water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

Most species widespread in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan where they are commonly consumed.