Hosta Orions Belt

Hosta Orion's Belt is a remarkably colourful variety throughout its growth period. In spring, its large leaves are a deep blue-green with a cream-yellow margin. As the season progresses, the leaves become greener and the margins fade almost to white. Some have a white border while others turn yellow, creating a unique combination of colours. There are also leaves streaked with light green where the centre and margin merge. From the vegetation emerges beautiful light lavender flower spikes in summer. This magnificent shade-loving perennial will make a statement on the edge of woodland, in a contemporary or Japanese-style bed, and of course in a large pot on a shaded patio.

This Hosta Orion's Belt is a completely hardy perennial from the lily family or hosta family according to classifications. It is a hybrid of Hosta 'Pin Stripe' and montana f. macrophylla. The plant has, from spring onwards, a clump-forming habit. When mature in 5 or 6 years, it will reach 50 cm (20in) in height and can spread over 1 m (3ft) or more, if conditions are suitable. It is a long-lived variety with large heart-shaped leaves. The lamina is very thick, slightly wrinkled, and pleated with numerous veins. The flowering usually takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated pale mauve bells, grouped towards the top of peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. All above-ground vegetation is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and disappearing in winter.

Hostas are traditionally planted under deciduous trees, in damp beds or rockeries, and especially near water features. It is a perennial that can also be grown in pots and even as a specimen plant. Hosta Orion's Belt pairs well with ferns, foamflowers, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate the same environments. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden false grasses, especially Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, Caucasian forget-me-nots, and creeping bugles as companions.