Hosta Formal Attire

Hosta 'Formal Attire' is a variety that stands out for its large heart-shaped foliage changing from dark blue-green with a cream-yellow border to dark green with a white border in summer. Its thick leaves are quite resistant to slug attacks. From June to July, it has particularly tall clusters of very pale lavender flowers. It is a large and fast-growing hosta that forms an interesting groundcover in borders or around a pond in partial shade.

This Hosta, is a cross between H. 'Breeder's Choice' and H. 'Frances Williams'. It is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, with its leafy clump only appearing in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant forms a low and wide clump reaching 40 cm (16in) tall and 90 cm (35in) wide. It is a long-lived plant with thick, cordate leaves that become slightly puckered at maturity and end in a pointed tip. The leaf blade is marked by 12 pairs of deep veins. From the centre of its variegated foliage, in July-August, emerge 95 cm (37in) tall flower stalks, bearing racemes of bell-shaped flowers that 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 our gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are known as urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.