Hosta Gold Regal

Hosta 'Gold Regal' is a variety that stands out for its large size, its slightly flared silhouette, and its leaves with changing bright tones! In spring, this deciduous perennial develops a bushy clump of ovate-lanceolate leaves that are slightly concave and semi-erect. They start off with a slightly pruinose lime green colour that turns pale green and then golden yellow if they are well-exposed to sunlight. With moderate growth, this variety is exceptionally vigorous, tolerates sun well, and is resistant to parasites, especially slugs. Use this hosta en masse as groundcover under trees or as a solitary specimen along the border to bring brightness to the garden. Hardy and easy to grow in moist, rich, well-drained soil, preferably in a position with morning sunlight.

This Hosta, is a deciduous, very hardy perennial that only appears as a compact, bushy, semi-erect clump from spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant will reach 80 cm (32in) in height and 1 m (3ft) in width. It is a long-lived plant with large, thick, ovate-lanceolate leaves with slightly concave plicate and slightly undulate edges that taper to elongated tips. The lamina is pleated by deep veins.  Flower stems emerge from the centre of its foliage in July-August, bearing clusters of lavender bell-shaped flowers which are lightly scented.

Hostas like damp, well-drained, and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposure to the sun. A location exposed to afternoon sunlight 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, in borders, or in partially shaded or shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They like sheltered and damp locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade the best. Sun tends to turn blue colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, exposure to morning sunlight allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. This variety is slug resistant.

Combine them in mixed groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other low-growing groundcover perennials such as creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. All of them are very effective as slug repellents. The silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, familiar to woodland areas, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums.  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 spread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas, which are edible, are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.