Hosta Ground Master

Hosta 'Ground Master' is an exceptional variety for its qualities as a groundcover plant for shaded gardens! Indeed, this deciduous perennial stands out from other hostas by its ability to spread through stolons. Its clump is composed of lanceolate and narrow leaves, which are matte olive green to dark green with undulate creamy-white margins which turn to white. Very floriferous, it bears numerous upright flower spikes with elongated bell-shaped purple flowers that contrast strongly with its light foliage in late summer. It is compact and medium-sized, making it suitable for borders along partially shaded paths. When exposed to morning sun, it will flower more abundantly and its foliage will lighten further. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil.

This Hosta is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, forming its leafy clump with a compact bushy habit from spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant is very small, reaching 25 cm (10in) in height and 55 cm (22in) in width. It is a long-lived plant with narrow lanceolate leaves that are smooth and end in elongated tips. 

Flower stems emerge from the centre of its foliage in August-September, bearing clusters of purple bell-shaped flowers which have little fragrance.

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. 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 spread in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas, which are edible, are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.