Hosta fortunei Allegan Fog

'Allegan Fog' Hosta is as decorative as it is unusual. This vigorous plant forms a large mound of leaves with absolutely charming undulate edges, with a white centre speckled with green for a beautiful blurry effect. Above the foliage rises a lovely lavender flowering in July. Easy to grow in moist soil, it will bring a lot of whimsy to cool areas of the garden, in partial shade or even in gentle sunlight.

This Hosta, or Funkia, comes from H. fortunei 'Aurea'. It is a completely hardy perennial that forms spreading clumps from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. The plant reaches a height of 45 cm (18in) and 55-60 cm (22-24in) in flower, and spreads at least 85 cm (34in), possibly up to 1 m (3ft). It is a long-lived variety with deciduous foliage, elongated heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips, slightly undulating and with visible veins. The white centre becomes less distinct in summer, with green spots invading and gradually turning it green. The leaves are produced in large quantities and in a staggered manner, giving the plant a regular and dense appearance. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of pale lavender bell-shaped flowers, pendulous and grouped towards the top of the peduncles, which can reach a height of 55 cm (22in). This perennial spreads via stolons, similar to strawberries.

The 'Allegan Fog' hybrid Hosta tolerates sunlight quite well, making it suitable for use in cool woodland edges or against an east-facing wall. It pairs well with helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, creating colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look great alongside columbines, tall foxgloves, or small violets. 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 and pour water into it, keeping the level constant during summer.