Hosta Gold Edger

Hosta 'Gold Edger' is a particularly small and bright variety! Its dense and cordate foliage forms elongated cups of light green colour tturning lime green and then golden yellow if sunlight allows. It also produces a profusion of pendulous lavender pink bell-shaped flower clusters from July to August. This perennial forms a regular and compact cushion that spreads quickly, making it a perfect border plant and groundcover. Plant this hosta in damp, well-drained and preferably rich soil in partial shade where its colours lighten in a more spectacular way.

This Hosta, is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, with its compact bushy foliage that appears in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant will reach 30 cm (12in) in height and 70 cm (28in) in spread. It is a long-lived plant with small, thick, cordate oval-shaped leaves that are widely undulate, forming cups about 9 cm (4in) high and 6 cm (2in) wide. The lamina is pleated by 8 pairs of deep veins. The undersides of the leaves are covered with a whitish bloom. Flower stems emerge from the centre of its variegated foliage, from July to August, bearing clusters of lavender pink bell-shaped flowers, which are not very 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 colours turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colours change and lighten 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.