Hosta First Frost

Hosta 'First Frost' is a variety that owes its name to its evergreen foliage, it remains decorative for a long time - until the first autumn frost.  It forms a medium-sized clump of thick blue-green leaves with margins of creamy yellow, turning dark green and creamy white in summer. It bears upright clusters of pendulous bell-shaped flowers in soft lavender in mid-summer. This is a deciduous perennial with a compact spreading habit that is well suited as groundcover in cool and shady areas of the garden. Its tough leaves are particularly resistant to slugs and tolerate sunlight well.

This Hosta is a mutation of H. 'Halycon'. It is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, emerging with its leafy clump only in spring. It belongs to the Asparagus family. The plant forms a low and wide clump reaching 40 cm (16in) in height and 90 cm (35in) in width. It is a plant of good longevity with medium-sized cordate-based ovate leaves measuring about 18 cm (7in) long and 13 cm (5in) wide, with pointed tips. The lamina is marked by 8-10 pairs of veins.  Tall flower stalks of 70 cm (28in) height, bearing racemes of bell-shaped flowers, emerge from the centre of its variegated foliage in July-August.  These are slightly fragrant.

Hostas thrive in damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they absolutely dislike drought and scorching sunlight. Afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, a thick mulch should be applied. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect for groundcover, borders, or shaded perennial borders, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to make blue colors turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colours change and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also enhances their flowering. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials.  Contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

Combine them in groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing groundcover perennials such as creeping bugle, geraniums, and lamiums. All of these are highly effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, which is familiar in woodland settings, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. Hostas also thrive in pots that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs, appearing in late spring to cover faded plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. The blue-toned leaves harmonise perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

Did you know: Most of the species commonly found in Western gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are known as urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.