Hosta Jurassic Park

Hosta 'Jurassic Park' is, as you may have guessed, a hosta with extraordinary dimensions. With its heart-shaped leaves measuring about 40 cm (16in) in all directions, this plant seems to have come straight out of prehistoric times... and will certainly not go unnoticed in the garden! It forms a majestic and lush clump of approximately 130 cm in height. Its immense bluish-green leaves are thick and wavy, with very pronounced veins. They serve as a backdrop in summer for a discreet flowering in spikes adorned with pale lavender bells. To be cultivated in fertile and moist, but well-drained soil, in partial shade or even in shade.

This Hosta, is a completely hardy perennial, belonging to the lily family or the hosta family. Hosta 'Jurassic Park' is a large perennial that forms very wide clumps in spring. The plant, reaching maturity in 5 or 6 years, will reach a height of 1.30 m (4ft) with a spread of 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft), if the required conditions are met. It is a long-lived plant with deciduous foliage, whose strongly veined leaves emerge in a matte green-blue colour in spring, in a rounded heart shape. They lose the waxy and bluish layer that covers them in summer, revealing a slightly satin dark green colour. The lamina, which measures about 40 cm (16in) in length, is thick and slightly bumpy. This thick foliage resists gastropod attacks well. The flowering takes place in June-July, in the form of small bells, clustered at the top of the peduncles that slightly emerge from the foliage. Each flower is supported by a large pale lavender bract. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries.

The planting of Hosta 'Jurassic Park' should be carefully considered and judiciously chosen. The volume that the mature plant will occupy makes it suitable for forming a mass planting on its own; for example, it can be planted in isolation to highlight the curve of a shaded path, on the edge of a woodland, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile. This large hosta pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, forming beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also thrive alongside acteas with purple foliage, columbines, and tall foxgloves. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. A very large pot should be chosen for 'Jurassic Park'. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.

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