Hosta Cascades

The 'Cascades' Hosta is a variety that owes its name to its elongated, pointed and highly arched foliage, cascading into curtains of overlapping leaves. This cascading effect is enhanced by subtle variegation. The centre of the leaves is pure white and the edges are widely and irregularly margined in dark green, transitioning to lime green between the two colours! This deciduous perennial has slow growth but forms a very elegant ground cover that is easy to cultivate in shaded areas of the garden. Its bushy and erect habit allows for the planting of lower companion plants at its base. Ideally, it should be planted in moist, well-drained and rich soil, exposed to morning sun!

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a very hardy deciduous perennial with an upright bushy habit starting from spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant forms a spread-out and dense clump that is 45 cm (18in) tall and 70 cm (28in) wide. It has a good lifespan and bears thick deciduous leaves that are 20 cm (8in) long and 18 cm (7in) wide. The lamina is thick and plicate with deep veins. From the variegated foliage, from July to August, emerge relatively short flower stalks that bear clusters of almost white flowers tinged with mauve in bell-shaped blooms, slightly fragrant.

Hostas like moist, well-drained and rich soil and are not tolerant of drought. In hotter and drier regions, a thick mulch should be provided. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground cover in partially to fully shaded borders or beds, where other plants struggle to thrive. They prefer sheltered and cool locations, such as woodland areas. Blue-leaved varieties prefer shade, while lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, especially morning sun.

Combine them in masses with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other low-growing ground cover perennials like creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. They are all very effective as slug repellents. The silvery Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', familiar in woodland settings, makes an excellent companion. Consider also Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. You can enhance shaded and slightly moist areas of the garden by creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs, appearing in late spring, just in time to cover up fading plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. The blue foliage harmonizes perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

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