Hosta Wu-La-La - Plantain Lily

Hosta 'Wu-La-La' is a beautiful variegated leaf mutation of the famous giant cultivar 'Empress Wu'. It is an impressive shade plant that forms a huge clump of very large deeply veined leaves, with a blue-grey-green colour marginated with apple green. Its summer flowering, with bell-shaped spikes in shades of mauve, adds to its charm. This sensational plant takes its time to express its full potential, but it deserves a prime location, in the garden or in a very large pot on the terrace. Good resistance to slugs.

This Hosta, or Funkia Wu-La-La is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the lily family or hosta family. This variety shows a giant clump habit from spring onwards. The plant, mature in 5 years, will reach 1.2m (4ft) in height and 1.8m (6ft) in spread, if the conditions are met. The very thick leaves can measure up to 42cm (17in) long. They are heart-shaped, slightly puckered and have well-marked veins. Their colour is green with blue and grey undertones, with a matte appearance. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated mauve bells, grouped towards the top of the 1.75m (6ft) tall peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

The planting of Hosta 'Wu-La-La' should be carefully considered and wisely chosen, as the plant takes up space and attracts lots of attention. For example, it can be placed in isolation, to emphasise the curve of a shaded path, on the edge of a woodland scene, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile. This large hosta will blend well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look fantastic 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 this variety, and a special geranium soil should be 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 water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

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