Hosta Goldbrook Glimmer

Hosta Goldbrook Glimmer is derived from the famous Hosta Halcyon. Like its parent, it has beautiful bluish foliage with very prominent veins. However, the centre of its leaves is unusually tinted with lime-green that intensifies throughout the season. Thick in texture, the leaves are cordate and pointed, and form a fairly low-growing clump. A true gem in the garden, its purple flowers add to the charm of its metallic colour. In partial shade or shade, accompanied by green or yellow foliage echoing its double colouration, it is very attractive in the garden or in a pot.

This Hosta Goldbrook Glimmer, is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the lily family. It was obtained by Sandra Bond in England in 2009. It is a long-lived plant with deciduous foliage, a deep grey-blue colour, with a lime-green hue in the centre of the leaf which is barely visible in spring, but intensifies later on. It reaches a height of 40 cm (16in) at maturity and spreads over 90 cm (35in). Its leaves are heart-shaped, with a smooth surface and very prominent veins. The lamina is thick and measures up to 18 cm (7in) long. This thick foliage also resists attacks from gastropods quite well. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of compact spikes of pale lavender, iridescent, pendulous bells. They are grouped towards the top of the stems, which can reach a height of 55 cm (22in). This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries.

Hostas are most commonly found as groundcover under deciduous trees, in moist flower beds, or in rockeries and borders, especially near ornamental ponds. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect in partially shaded or even shaded areas, where other plants struggle to grow. Varieties with bluish and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to make blue colours turn green. Hosta Goldbrook Glimmer combines well with a vibrant green carpet of soleirolia, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duets that require little maintenance. It also looks great alongside columbines or small violets. To highlight the blue foliage of 'Goldbrook Glimmer', place the plant near foliage with lighter shades, such as lady's mantles, for example. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

Most of the species found in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.