Hosta Cherry Berry

The Hosta 'Cherry Berry', formerly known as Funkia, is a variety with small growth, but overflowing with colour and originality. The plant forms a bouquet of narrow and tapered leaves, cream yellow becoming white in the centre, irregularly and widely marginated with light green and deep green. In summer, thin reddish-purple flowering stems bearing small lavender bells attract all attention by forming a magnificent combination of shades with the foliage. This variety is easy to grow and succeed in cool soil; it will prefer morning sun or partial shade, in the company of perennials or even bushes.

This Hosta 'Cherry Berry' is a completely hardy perennial, with a wide clump-like habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the lily family. The plant will reach a height of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12in) and 40 cm (16in) in flower, it will spread at least 40 cm (16in), quite slowly. It is a plant of good longevity, with narrow and elongated deciduous leaves, ending in a long tapered point, a bit like those of anthuriums. Its leaves have a smooth and satin-like appearance, and shallow undulations, with a pleasant texture. Their centre, rather yellow in spring, becomes almost white in summer, marginated with dark green. This variety also stands out for its flowering, a rare shade among hostas. It takes place in July, in the form of highly coloured flowering stems, bearing clusters of pendant small bells, grouped towards the top.

A true colour magician, this hosta will become a focal point in any border, at the turn of a pathway, on a terrace edge, even in a sunny position. It will blend well with many perennials such as astilbes, Japanese ferns, epimediums and purple acteas with which it forms beautiful duos that require little maintenance. Its foliage will hide the gaps left by spring-flowering bulbs. It will also be advantageous in the company of lungworts, brunneras and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be paired with semi-shade bushes such as Mexican orange, variegated hollies, azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can stay in the same container for several years. Choose a special geranium potting soil to use during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you pour the water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

Most species widespread in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan where they are commonly consumed.