Hosta Fragrant Fire

Hosta 'Fragrant Fire' is a variety with a flared silhouette made even more attractive by its large upright leaves with finely yellow-cream-edged glossy green and red-tinted petioles at the base! It bears, almost white, sweet-smelling flowers in late summer, with stems also tinged with red. This plant prefers a sunnier location to intensify its colours and flowers. This is a medium-sized groundcover perennial that is perfectly hardy and fast-growing in damp, well-drained, and rich soils. Plant this variety in a container, pot, or border of a frequently visited pathway to fully enjoy all its features.

This Hosta is a variegated mutation of H. 'Old Faithful'. It is a deciduous, very hardy perennial, with its bushy compact erect leafy clump only appearing in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant forms a flared and spreading clump reaching 50 cm (20in) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width. It is a long-lived plant with thick leaves measuring 30 cm (12in) in height and 20 cm (8in) in width, with a cordate-base ovate shape, slightly crimped and undulate at the ends, tapering to a point. The lamina is marked by 11 pairs of pronounced veins. Flower stems, approximately 65 cm (26in) tall, emerge from the centre of its variegated foliage, bearing bell-shaped racemes of fragrant flowers.

Hostas thrive in damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and dislike drought and scorching exposure tp the sun. An afternoon sunlit location should be avoided as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as groundcover, borders, or in partly shaded to shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and damp locations, such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade the best. Sun tends to make blue colours turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. Generally, planting in aspect with morning sun allows the best development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) particularly relish these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. This variety is resistant to slugs.

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.