Hosta Emily Dickinson

The Hosta 'Emily Dickinson' is one of the rare varieties whose small lavender bells are fragrant. They are gathered in light spikes, gracefully upright amidst beautiful variegated foliage of light green and dark green, irregularly marginated with pale yellow. The margins fade in summer and become cream-white. This medium-sized variety shows fairly rapid growth. Easy to grow and succeed in cool soil, the dainty 'Emily Dickinson' shows a preference for partially shaded exposures or morning sun.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a hardy perennial, with broad clumps from spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. 'Emily Dickinson' has 'Splash Neat' variety and a hybrid of Hosta plantaginea, a tall plant with white and fragrant flowers, as parents. 'Emily Dickinson' will reach a height of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) and 70 cm (28in) in flower, spreading at least 60 cm (24in), with fairly rapid growth. It forms a clump wider than it is tall. It is a long-lasting plant, with large deciduous heart-shaped leaves; ending in a pointed tip, with very visible veins. The lamina is thick, mostly light green with some dark green streaks, surrounded by thin yellow to cream margins. This variety is also distinguished by its fragrant flowering. It takes place in July-August.

The hybrid Hosta 'Emily Dickinson' is perfect for partially shaded borders, to mark the curve of a path. It will go well with many perennials such as bleeding hearts, ferns, epimediums, and Siberian Miner's Lettuce, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. Its ample 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 partially shaded bushes such as Mexican orange, variegated holly, azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain 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 will pour water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

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