Hosta Cathedral Windows

The Hosta 'Cathedral Windows', a very beautiful tetraploid mutation of the 'Stained Glass' hosta, which was highly awarded and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful varieties currently available for sale. The plant quickly forms a large clump of ample, thick, shiny leaves, with a centre of acidic yellow mixed with chartreuse, widely bordered with green. As the leaves age, they become slightly convex. In addition to the beauty of the foliage, there is an exceptional flowering, with tall spikes adorned with almost white, large and highly fragrant flowers. This variety, which is not very attractive to slugs, truly stands out in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace.

The Hosta or Funkia 'Cathedral Windows' is a very hardy deciduous perennial, whose above-ground growth emerges from the ground in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant, which grows fairly quickly and has good longevity, reaches a height of 60 cm (24in) with a spread of about 70 cm (28in). It develops ovate leaves with cordate bases, tapering to a point, slightly incurved and domed, about 25 cm (10in) long. Their shiny, slightly undulate and crimped lamina is marked by 6 pairs of deep veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage emerge, in July-August, tall flower spikes about 80 cm (32in) high, bearing bell-shaped flowers, barely washed with pale lavender, and highly fragrant.

Combine hostas with each other, marry them with ferns, Solomon's seal and other lower ground cover perennials such as creeping bugle, wood geraniums, and dead nettles. They are all very effective as slug repellents. The familiar silver Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse' from the undergrowth will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colors, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (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 that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas go wonderfully well with spring bulbs, hiding their absence during summer under their generous foliage! Around a pond, plant them with knotweeds, sedges, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

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