Hosta Center Of Attention

The Hosta 'Center of Attention' is a variety that stands out for its very shiny heart-shaped foliage of dark green colour with a centre illuminated by irregular golden yellow variegation that fades into light green towards the edges. Under the influence of sunlight, this variegation further lightens to become creamy white and chartreuse. It is crowned with clusters of pale lavender flowers from July to August. It is a fast-growing, bushy and compact hosta, ideal for borders or the front of shaded flower beds. Plant this deciduous perennial in cool, rich, well-drained soil, orienting it to take advantage of the morning sun.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a hybrid of H. 'Sea Prize'. It is a deciduous but very hardy perennial, with its leafy clump only emerging in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant forms a spreading and compact clump measuring 45 cm (18in) in height and 70 cm (28in) in width. It is a long-lived plant with thick deciduous leaves measuring 20 cm (8in) in length and 18 cm (7in) in width. The lamina is thick and plicate with deep veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage emerge from July to August, relatively short flower stalks bearing panicles of almost white flowers tinged with mauve in bell-shaped blooms that are slightly fragrant.

Hostas prefer cool, well-drained, and rich soil, and are highly intolerant of drought. In hotter and drier regions, a thick layer of mulch is recommended. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground covers in partially or fully shaded borders or flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They thrive in sheltered and cool locations such as woodlands. In general, exposure to morning sun allows for optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Blue-leaved varieties prefer shade as the sun tends to turn them green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their color regains all its nuances. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridizations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. This variety is resistant.

Combine them in masses with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as creeping bugle, geraniums, and dead nettles. They are all very effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', familiar from woodland settings, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras and their fantastic range of colors, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (Epimediums). This will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden, creating a pleasant haven of coolness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair beautifully with spring bulbs, appearing in late spring, just in time to cover fading plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, sedges, and astilbes. The blue foliage harmonizes perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

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