Hosta Minuteman

The Hostas are perennial herbaceous plants with deciduous foliage that reproduce from rhizomes and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Native to East Asia, they were first brought back from Japan and then Korea. These plants are also found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Plantain Lily because of their foliage.
These are excellent shade plants, they are cultivated for their highly decorative foliage. The variegated green and ivory leaves of Hosta Minuteman are lanceolate with deep veins and average 20 cm (8in) in length. The parallel veins are very specific to this family. This variety spreads up to 100 cm (39in) in width, making it an excellent groundcover. From July to August, a series of long stalks that greatly overhang the leafy clump bear a terminal cluster of slightly pendulous lavender flowers measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lily flowers, they are completely odourless. Hostas prefer rich loamy soils, even heavy and clay ones, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will remain in place for years without requiring any special care.

Pair them with the gold of the Geranium phaeum Margaret Wilson, bear's garlic, the pink of Digitalis mertonensis, or the purple fronds of Athyrium niponicum Pictum fern. All are very effective as slug repellents. Lobelia speciosa Russian Princess, the familiar silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse will also be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate fairy flowers (Epimediums). You will enhance the shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden. Hostas also thrive in containers that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.
Important to know: the lighter the leaves of hostas, the less they fear sunlight. Dark leaves, especially blue ones, are more sensitive to it and heat makes them lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of sun per day, even partial, are more than enough for these shade plants rather than shade-loving ones. In fact, without a minimum of sun, they will not bloom. It would be a shame to miss out on beautiful flowers so it is important to find a harmonious compromise between light and darkness.