Hosta Lakeside Paisley Print

Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print' is a modest-sized variety, with foliage that has a rather unusual pattern. The plant forms a lovely upright clump, compact and composed of thick, bumpy, cup-shaped leaves with undulated edges. They are carried by a creamy-yellow petiole, which extends into the centre of the lamina with a variegated pattern of the same creamy-yellow, broadly bordered with green. In summer, this lovely perennial covers itself with flowering spikes of light lavender bell-shaped flowers. This particular hosta, especially suitable for container gardening, also stands out in the garden.

Hosta 'Lakeside Paisley Print' is a recent American creation credited to Mary Chastain. It is a deciduous perennial, which is very hardy, with its above-ground vegetation emerging from the ground in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant, with a rather slow but long-lasting growth, reaches about 25 cm (10in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in spread. It develops round leaves with a cordate base, pointed at their tips. Their lamina is wavy and marked by fairly deep veins. Flower stems, about 60 cm (24in) tall, emerge from the centre of its foliage in July-August, bearing clusters of lavender bell-shaped flowers which are not scented.

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. This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden.  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 species commonly found in our gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called "urui" in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.