Hosta Pocketful of Sunshine

Hosta 'Pocketful of Sunshine' is a beautiful compact mutation of the variety 'Rainforest Sunrise', which surpasses it in terms of colour. It is a variety of modest size, resistant to slugs, with beautiful round, cup-shaped leaves that are thick and textured, with a beautiful lime green centre that turns yellow, widely bordered with dark green. In summer, the plant produces flowering spikes of lavender bell-shaped flowers. An ideal perennial to brighten shaded or semi-shaded areas of the garden or terrace.

Hosta 'Pocketful of Sunshine' is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, with above-ground growth emerging from the ground in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant, which grows fairly slowly but has good longevity, forms a dense clump that reaches about 25 cm (10in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. It develops round, cordate-based leaves that taper to a point. Their slightly concave lamina is marked by 6 pairs of deep veins.  Flower stems, about 35 cm (14in) high, emerge from the centre of its foliage in July-August, bearing clusters of lavender bell-shaped flowers which are unscented.

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.