Hosta sieboldiana Great Expectations

Hosta Great Expectations is a beautiful improvement of Hosta sieboldiana, valued by enthusiasts for its colours and repeatedly awarded by professionals in the United States for its many qualities. It is a medium-sized variety that has round, thick and puckered leaves, with a yellow centre and lime-green margin with a blue-green hue. They form a magnificent mound of foliage, from which white flower spikes emerge in summer. This very beautiful perennial plant makes a strong impression at the edge of a woodland, in a contemporary or Japanese-style bed, always in shade or partial shade, planted in damp, well-drained soil. Also excellent in a pot on the terrace.

Hosta Great Expectations is a completely hardy perennial from the lily family or hosta family according to classifications. From spring onwards, the plant develops a clump-forming habit. As an adult in 5 or 6 years, it will reach a height of 50-55 cm (20-22in) and can spread over 80 cm (32in), if conditions are right. It is a long-lived variety, with strongly veined leaves that have a rounded heart shape. The lamina is thick, which deters slug attacks. It has a large central area blending yellow and lime green, surrounded by a wide and irregular margin of greyish-blue-green. Flowering usually takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated bells, grouped towards the top of peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. Each flower opens in a pale lavender shade, then quickly turns white. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. All above-ground, deciduous vegetation disappears in winter.

Hostas are traditionally planted under deciduous trees, in damp beds or rockeries and borders, especially near water features. This perennial can be grown in pots and even as a standalone specimen. Hosta Great Expectations pairs well with ferns, foamflowers, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate similar conditions. To enhance its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden-coloured ornamental grasses, especially Carex and Hakonechloa. All hostas are easily cultivated in pots where they can live for many years, provided they receive regular water and fertiliser. These plants make wonderful subjects for slightly shaded patios and balconies.