Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans - Plantain Lily

Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans is a variety of hosta with particularly bluish foliage, almost grey. This original colour allows for very interesting colour combinations, especially in shaded areas of the garden. The flowering, white, brings a touch of light that is always welcome. It is a perennial and hardy plant that will appreciate an acidic or neutral soil. It is possible to adopt it in a pot, but it will need to be stored away in winter and make sure to keep the substrate moist in summer.

Hostas are herbaceous perennial plants with deciduous foliage, originating from East Asia. They were first brought back from Japan and then Korea. But these liliaceous plants are also found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Funkia or Plantain Lily.

Perfect shade plants, they are cultivated for their highly decorative foliage with their colours and opulence. The bluish grey leaves of Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans are deeply veined and measure an average of 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in). The parallel venation is very specific to this family. This variety spreads over 120cm (47in) in width making it an excellent ground cover. From June to July, a series of long stems overhanging the leafy clump, bear a terminal cluster of slightly pendulous white flowers, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lily flowers, they are completely odourless. Hostas prefer rich loamy soils, even heavy and clayey ones, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will stay in place for years without requiring special care.

Combine them with the gold of the perennial Geranium 'Margaret Wilson', with wild garlic, with the old rose of Digitalis mertonensis or with the purple fronds of the fern Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'. All are highly effective as slug repellents. Indeed, they love the tender foliage of hostas and therefore pose the most serious threat to their cultivation. Lobelias and Brunneras, familiar with the undergrowth, will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden, creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in containers that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.

Did you know: the lighter the leaves of Hostas, the less they fear sunlight. Dark leaves, especially blue ones, are more sensitive to it and heat causes them to lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of sun per day, even partial, are more than enough for these plants. Indeed, without a minimum of sunlight, they will not flower. Admit that it would be a shame to miss out on magnificent flowers. So, it remains to find a harmonious compromise between light and darkness.