Hosta Siberian Tiger

Hosta Siberian Tiger is a unique variety with its striped and bright foliage. This variety produces very bright leaves, striped with yellow on an acid-green background, creating an almost hypnotic pattern that is hard to ignore. Its summer flowering takes the form of stems adorned with delicate mauve-purple flowers. This perennial will look sensational at the edge of the undergrowth, bordering a contemporary or Japanese-style flower bed, and of course in a pot on a shaded terrace. This unique selection is the Holy Grail for hosta and variegation enthusiasts. 

This Hosta, or Funkia Siberian Tiger, is a result of the extremely rare Japanese selection, the Hosta Mito-no-Hana, which collectors have long sought after. It is a completely hardy perennial of the lily or hosta family, depending on the classification. From spring onwards it grows into fairly compact clumps. Mature in 5 or 6 years, it will reach approximately 25-30cm (10-12in) in all directions. Its elongated heart-shaped leaves have a thick leaf, traversed by deep veins, with a border that has slight undulations. The colour of the young leaves is a bright green-yellow strongly striped with buttery yellow, with the yellow stripes gradually fading without completely disappearing. Flowering usually takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated bell-shaped flowers in mauve, grouped towards the top of peduncles that emerge from the foliage. All above-ground, deciduous vegetation disappears in winter.

Traditionally, hostas are planted under deciduous trees, in moist flower beds or in rockeries and borders, especially near water points.  It is a perennial that can also be grown in pots and even as a standalone plant. The Hosta Siberian Tiger pairs well with ferns, tiarellas, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate the same environments. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow-coloured grasses, preferably golden ones, especially  Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, Brunneras, and creeping bugles as companions.