Hosta Sugar Daddy

Hosta 'Sugar Daddy' is an exceptionally robust variety that presents a luxuriant clump of large, thick, almost round, deeply-veined, pruinose blue leaves that offer a beautiful contrast with its fine and irregular yellow margins! When exposed to non-burning sunlight, this variety gradually lightens throughout the seasons to become variegated bluish-green with creamy white. Flowering occurs in early summer with upright spikes of pendulous bell-shaped flowers that are almost white. Vigorous and highly resistant to pests and sun exposure, this Hosta develops a large colourful cushion, perfect for illuminating a shady corner or a partially shaded border. It is a deciduous perennial with no specific requirements, as long as it benefits from moist and rich soil.

Hosta 'Sugar Daddy' is a mutation of H. 'Big Daddy' introduced in 2003. The Hosta, also known as Funkia, is a hardy deciduous perennial that produces its decorative leafy clump every spring to adorn shady areas until winter arrives. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. With a moderate growth rate, Hosta 'Sugar Daddy' forms a compact bushy clump, reaching 60cm (24in) in height and 90cm (35in) in spread. It is a long-lived plant with rough, rounded, wide cup-shaped leaves that are 25cm (10in) long and 20cm (8in) wide. Their leaves have a crumpled appearance with 13 to 14 pairs of deep veins. From the centre of its variegated foliage, tall flower stalks emerge from June to July, bearing racemes of lightly scented flowers that are over 100cm (39in) in height. The light margins of this variety are more sensitive to heat and dryness, tending to tear and turn brown under these unfavourable conditions. Therefore, the location should be chosen carefully.

Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained, and rich soils. They dislike drought and scorching exposures. A location exposed to afternoon sun or direct sun should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, thick mulching should be provided. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground covers, in borders, or in partially shaded to shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered and moist locations such as woodland areas. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sun tends to make blue leaf colours turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where its colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, exposure to morning sun 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 mineral mulch like gravel, which will deter these pests. It is worth noting that frogs and hedgehogs are their natural predators, so encourage their presence.

Combine them in groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. All of these are highly effective as slug repellents. Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', which are silver-leaved plants familiar to woodland areas, make excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras with their wonderful range of colours or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their reds and oranges. By using these combinations, you can enhance shaded and slightly moist areas of the garden, creating a pleasant haven for the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs wonderfully, emerging in late spring, at the perfect time to cover faded plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, and astilbes. The blue foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples, as well as the golden yellow foliage of Hakonechloas and heucheras.

Did you know: Most of the 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.