Hosta plantaginea grandiflora

Hosta plantaginea grandiflora is the only Hosta that produces well-scented flowers. The white flowers, resembling lilies,  are of a good size for a hosta.  They  emit a fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. They bloom in late summer above a beautiful clump of large, round, veined, glossy, and vibrant green leaves. This hardy variety has rapid growth and tolerates sunny positions. An ideal hosta for beginners!

Hostas are herbaceous perennial plants from the lily family, with deciduous foliage, from rhizomes and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Originally from East Asia, they are also called plantain lilies because of their foliage. Hosta plantaginea grandiflora forms a clump of foliage measuring around 45-50 cm (18-20in) in height and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in diameter. Its heart-shaped leaves can reach up to 18 cm (7in) in length. They are adorned with prominent parallel veins and are slightly shiny and intensely green. It turns a beautiful yellow colour in autumn before drying out. The vegetation emerges in spring, a little earlier than other hostas, which can make it vulnerable to late frosts. The flowering is quite late, occurring between August and September, earlier or later depending on the climate. Floral stems measuring 70 to 75 cm (28 to 30in) in height emerge from the foliage. They bear a terminal cluster of slightly pendulous white flowers, trumpet-shaped, measuring 15 to 17 cm (6 to 7in) in length. The flowers open in the afternoon (around 3 or 4pm) and remain open all night. Remarkably, the flowers of this variety are truly highly scented, even from a distance.

Hostas appreciate rich loamy soils, even heavy and clay ones, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they can live for years without requiring special care. Associate them with wild garlic, Digitales mertonensis, or the purple fronds of the fern Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'. All are effective as slug repellents. Lobelias and Brunnera, familiar inhabitants of woodland areas, will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their fantastic range of colours, or the delicate elfin flowers (Epimediums). This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden, creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer.  Hostas also thrive in pots, which should be placed in semi-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 the heat causes them to lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of partial sunlight per day are more than enough for these shade-loving plants. Without a minimum amount of sun, they will not flower. It would be a shame to miss out on these magnificent flowers. The challenge is to find a harmonious compromise between light and darkness.