Hosta Big Mama

The Hosta 'Big Mama' is a giant blue variety! It forms a clump wider than H. 'Big Daddy', densely filled with large thick and deeply puckered leaves in the shape of rounded hearts, of an intense pruinose green-blue even in shade! It has medium growth and good vigour, making it an effective ground cover in the least sunny corners of gardens. From July to August, its white bell-shaped flowers hang on spikes above its foliage. Plant it in cool, rich and well-drained soil.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial with a bushy habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. The plant forms a spreading cushion 1 m (3ft) in height and 1 m (3ft) in width. It is a long-lived plant with numerous deciduous leaves that are about 30 cm (12in) tall and 25 cm (10in) wide, tapering to a pointed tip. The lamina is very thick and plicate with deep veins. The "wax" on its leaves disappears with the heat of summer. From the heart of its glaucous foliage, floral spikes emerge in summer, bearing racemes of bell-shaped, slightly fragrant flowers.

Hostas are perfect for partially shaded borders or beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered locations that remain cool. Combine them with ferns, delphiniums, seal of solomon and other low-growing ground cover perennials like creeping bugles. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. The Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', which are silver-leaved plants familiar in the undergrowth, will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their fantastic range of colours, or the delicate fairy flowers (Epimediums). This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden by creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in semi-shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs that appear in late spring, just in time to hide the fading plants with their generous foliage!

Did you know: Most species found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.