Hosta clausa var. normalis

The Hosta clausa var normalis is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous Hosta, interesting to use as a ground cover where it can weave between bushes and trees. It does not form a compact clump, but rather a dense cover that grows quite quickly. With a low to medium height, it has an upright habit and its lanceolate, veined, and glossy leaves are relatively small and moderately narrow, pointing towards the sky. It blooms in the summer with clusters of open flowers in dark blue-violet. This subspecies tolerates non-scorching or dappled sun for a few hours a day. Otherwise, grow it in shade or partial shade, in moist soil, as a border plant, in a flower bed, or as a ground cover where it can spread freely.

The Hosta clausa var normalis belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a natural variety of the Hosta Clausa, discovered by Fumio Maekawa in 1938. This perennial plant is native to central and northern Korea where it tends to grow in open sandy areas. Among the many natural varieties of Hosta clausa, this one is the most suitable for gardens. This hosta forms upright clumps that reach a height of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) and spread about 60 cm (24in). Its relatively small leaves are narrow, lanceolate, oblong, glossy, and veined, with a medium green colour. In July and August, tall flower stalks emerge, revealing beautiful funnel-shaped open violet flowers. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous and absent in winter.

The Hosta clausa var normalis prefers ordinary and moist soil. Not demanding but hardy, it is easy to grow as long as you protect it from slugs and cold, dry winds. Used as a border, flower bed, or woodland groundcover, it can be punctuated with spring bulbs for naturalizing, especially since it produces its first leaves very early in the season. It spreads under the cover of bushes. Other perennials such as Brunneras or Corydalis accompany it beautifully.