Hosta Captain’s Adventure

The Hosta 'Captain's Adventure', a rather unusual mutation of the 'Captain Kirk' hosta, is a variety that stands out with its distinctly tricolored foliage. The plant forms a clump of lanceolate leaves with a slightly puckered texture, whose colour evolves throughout the season. Its emerging leaves are chartreuse green, quickly developing a wide cream-white margin, and then zigzag stripes of a darker bluish green appear in summer between the two colours. This variety, whose colour can vary depending on growing conditions, is a must-have for hosta collectors.

The Hosta or Funkia 'Captain's Adventure' is a deciduous perennial that is very hardy and its above-ground growth emerges from the soil in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant, of moderately fast growth and good longevity, reaches 40 cm (16in) in height with an approximate spread of 50-55 cm (20-22in). It develops oval, pointed leaves that are about 25 cm (10in) long. Their slightly crinkled lamina is marked by 6 pairs of deep veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage, in July-August, emerge flowering stems about 60 cm (24in) tall, bearing bell-shaped flowers in a pale lavender colour.

Plant hostas with each other, marry them with ferns, Solomon's Seals, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as bugles, wood geraniums, and lamiums. All are very effective as slug repellents. The familiar silver Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse' of the undergrowth will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their fantastic range of colours, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (Epidendrums). 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. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs, hiding their absence during the summer under their generous foliage! Around a pond, plant them with persicaria, carex, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage blends perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

Important: Most species found in Western gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are commonly consumed in Japan, where they are called "urui".