Hosta Flemish Sky

Hosta 'Flemish Sky', which is not very tall, will charm with its unique foliage, composed of beautiful thick, lanceolate leaves in a powdery blue shade, strongly veined and undulated at the edges. Above the foliage, clusters of small light lavender flowers appear in summer, which are perfectly matched to the leaves. This variety establishes slowly but is hardy and resists attacks from slugs well. 

Hostas are perennial plants with a deciduous stump.  Their above-ground vegetation disappears in winter. They belong to the Asparagaceae family (formerly Liliaceae). The 'Flemish Sky' Hosta, introduced in the Netherlands in 2004, has an unknown parentage. This variety forms a clump that is wider than it is tall after a few years. It will reach approximately 25-30 cm (10-12in) in height and 40-45 cm (16-18in) in diameter. It is very hardy and long-lived plant, with slightly glaucous foliage covered with a powder that gives it a bluish appearance. The underside of the leaves is white. It will retain its intensity until late summer. The laminae, measuring approximately 12.5 cm (5in) long by 7.5 cm (3in) wide, are traversed by 8 pairs of parallel veins. Their shape is elongated and heart-shaped, ending in a tapered and twisted tip, cup-shaped, with wide undulations at the edges. This thick foliage resists gastropod attacks very well. Flowering takes place in August, in the form of 35 cm (14in) spikes bearing pendulous tubular bells measuring 3.5 cm (1in) in length, white in colour but with dark lavender veins.

Originally from China, Korea, and Japan, Hostas are very cold-resistant plants. They are most often found as groundcover under deciduous trees, in damp beds or rockeries and borders, especially near ornamental ponds. The hybrid Hosta 'Flemish Sky' will blend well in partial shade with the purple foliage of cimicifugas, the beautiful lime green leaves of alchemillas, but also with Claytonia sibirica with which it forms lovely colourful duos that require little maintenance. The bright and silvery foliage of Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum' and Heuchera 'Sugar Frosting' will highlight its full brilliance. This perennial will also be advantageous in the company of corydalis, tall foxgloves, or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots, and can remain in the same container for several years.  As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering from the top of the pot is possible. Then place a saucer under the pot to maintain constant level of moisture in summer.