Hosta Stand by Me

Hosta Stand by Me, a magnificent descendant of the Hosta June, has inherited its beautiful range of colours, but this variety has a very different habit, forming a compact clump with more upright leaves of a different shape. On these leaves, the bluish-green is extensively variegated with cream and golden-yellow flames in the centre, creating a very beautiful two-tone effect. Ash grey flowers accompany the foliage in July-August. Easy to grow in moist soil and partial shade, this hosta is a reliable and vigorous variety that brings an exotic and refined touch to the garden. It will look stunning in a contemporary or Japanese-style border, and of course in a large pot on a shaded terrace.

This Hosta, or Funkia Stand by Me, is a fully hardy perennial from the liliaceae or hostaceae family depending on the classification. The plant forms a profusion of leaves from spring onwards. When fully grown in 5 or 6 years, it will reach approximately 35cm (14in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width, if the conditions are right. It is a long-lived variety, with elongated heart-shaped leaves that measure up to 20cm (8in) in length and 15cm (6in) in width. The lamina is thick, slightly concave, and traversed by numerous parallel veins. Flowering usually occurs in July-August, in the form of elongated pale mauve bells, clustered towards the top of peduncles that emerge widely from the foliage. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous, emerging from the ground in spring and disappearing in winter.

Traditionally, hostas are planted under deciduous trees, in moist borders or rockeries, and especially near water features. It is a perennial that can also be grown in containers and even as a standalone plant. Hosta Stand by Me pairs well with ferns, foamflowers, and astilbes, for example, as these plants appreciate similar conditions. To highlight its extraordinary foliage, combine it with yellow to golden false grasses, preferably Carex and Hakonechloa. Also consider spring bulbs, Brunneras, and creeping bugles as companion plants.