Hosta Blue Umbrellas

The Hostas are deciduous herbaceous perennial plants that reproduce from rootstocks and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Originally from East Asia, they were first taken from Japan and then from Korea. But these Liliaceae can also be found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Funkia or Plantain Lily because of their foliage.

Plants for shade par excellence, they are cultivated for their highly decorative radical foliage. The bluish-green leaves of Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' are deeply lobed and measure almost 40 cm (16in) on average. The parallel and soft-sized nervation is very specific to this family. This variety spreads up to 100 cm (39in) in width, making it an excellent ground cover. From July to August, a series of long spikes, widely overhanging the leafy clump, bear a terminal cluster of whitish-grey flowers, slightly pendulous and measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lily flowers, they are completely odourless. Hostas prefer rich loamy soils, even heavy and clayey, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will remain in place for years without requiring special care.

Pair them with the gold of Geranium phaeum 'Margaret Wilson', with Wild Garlic, with the old pink of Digitalis mertonensis, or with the purple fronds of Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' fern. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. The Lobelia speciosa 'Russian Princess', the silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse' familiar to the undergrowth, will be excellent companions. Also consider the Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of the fairy bells (Epimediums). 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 pots, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.

Important to know: the lighter the leaves of hostas, the less they fear sunlight. Dark leaves, especially blue ones, are more sensitive and heat causes them to lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of partial sun per day are more than enough for these shade-loving plants. In fact, without a minimum of sunlight, they will not flower. It would be depriving ourselves of magnificent flowers. The key is to find a harmonious compromise between light and darkness.