Hosta Faithful Heart

The Hosta 'Faithful Heart' is a dwarf variety with unusual foliage. The plant first unfolds young, golden leaves, which over time develop a narrow, dark green border. In summer, the small round and veined leaves are yellow, shiny in the centre, bordered by an undulating green margin. Its summer flowering, in spikes adorned with mauve bells, adds to its charm. It has a striking effect as a border, in a bed or in a pot, in partial shade.

This Hosta or Funkia 'Faithful Heart' is a perennial plant belonging to the asparagus family. This variety comes from the Hosta 'Cheatin Heart', which has passed on the beautiful golden colour of its foliage. It is a deciduous and very hardy perennial. From spring onwards, it develops a low and fairly spreading tuft. The plant, with good growth, reaches 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width at maturity. Its small leaves are ovate and pointed, veined, about 8 cm (3in) high and 6 cm (2in) wide. They are initially a uniform golden yellow, then variegated with dark green at the margin, which is undulated. The flowering takes place in July, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. The base of its petioles is tinged with red. This perennial spreads by stolons, like strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

Hostas are susceptible to drought and scorching exposures. A location illuminated by afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. With their generous and decorative foliage, they are perfect as ground cover, borders or in semi-shaded, or even fully shaded areas, beds where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they like sheltered positions that remain cool, such as woodlands. In general, exposure to morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. On the edge of woodlands, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Hosta 'Faithful Heart' pairs well with ferns, meadow rues and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms lovely colourful duos that require little maintenance. It also looks great alongside columbines, Brunneras, and Heucheras in borders. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

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