Hosta Special Gift

Hosta 'Special Gift' is a small to medium-sized variety distinguished by its impeccable clump of heart-shaped, almost round, light green leaves. In summer, this hosta bears numerous spikes of charming pendant lavender bell-shaped flower clusters, standing prominently above the leaves. Its decorative foliage cushion is a major asset for structuring perennial beds or bringing light and colour to shady areas under trees. This deciduous perennial is not very demanding. It has rapid growth and displays excellent resistance to pests. It tolerates the sun, especially if the soil remains fairly moist without being waterlogged.

The Hosta 'Special Gift' is a hybrid from the H. nakaiana seedling series. The Hosta, also known as Funkia, is a very hardy deciduous perennial, producing its leafy clump every spring to enhance shady areas until winter arrives. It belongs to the asparagus family. With rapid growth, Hosta 'Special Gift' forms a compact bushy clump, quickly reaching 30cm (12in) in height with a spread of 65cm (26in). It is a long-lived plant with cordate leaves that taper to elongated tips, measuring about 13cm (5in) long and 10cm (4in) wide. The leaves are fleshy, slightly undulate, and deeply veined. From the heart of its ornamental foliage, lavender funnel-shaped flowers emerge from July to August.

Hostas like moist, well-drained, and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposures. Afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas with their generous and decorative foliage are perfect as ground covers, borders, or in partially shaded to shaded beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and moist locations such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to turn blue leaf colours green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun exposure allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, so contemporary hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. For varieties with less tough leaves, consider using hemp mulch or a mineral mulch like gravel to deter these pests. It is worth noting that frogs and hedgehogs are their natural predators, so encourage their presence for a balanced garden ecosystem.

Combine them in masses with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as bugleweed, geraniums, and dead nettles. All of these are highly effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse is a great companion. Also consider Heucheras with their fantastic range of colours or the delicate flowers of fairy wings (Epimediums). The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. These combinations will enhance shaded and slightly damp areas of the garden. Hostas also thrive in containers that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs that emerge in late spring, providing the perfect cover for fading plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with knotweeds, sedges, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples, as well as the golden yellow foliage of Hakone grass and heucheras.

Did you know?: Most species commonly found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.