Hosta Summer Breeze

Hosta 'Summer Breeze' is a variety with stunning acidic tones! This deciduous perennial has thick, puckered, undulating dark green leaves with irregular wide margins measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in), in a golden yellow colour. They continue to lighten with sunlight to ultimately become deep green and lemon yellow by the end of summer. It produces tall flower spikes with pale lavender bell-shaped flowers from July to August. This variety can tolerate sunnier exposures and is resistant to pests. It is vigorous and fast-growing, forming a compact bushy clump of medium size. Use it to create bright borders, add volume to perennial beds, or as ground cover in woodland areas. It is an easy perennial that only requires well-drained, rich, and moist soil.

Hosta 'Summer Breeze'' is a mutation of H. 'Summer Music'. Hosta, also known as Funkia, is a hardy deciduous perennial that produces decorative foliage each spring to enhance shaded areas until winter arrives. It belongs to the asparagus family. Hosta 'Summer Breeze'' forms a compact bushy clump, quickly reaching a height of 50cm (20in) with a minimum spread of 90cm (35in). It has a long lifespan and bears ovate leaves with cordate bases that are approximately 20cm (8in) long and 18cm (7in) wide, with pointed tips. The leaf blades are deeply pleated with 10-11 pairs of prominent veins. Emerging from the variegated foliage in midsummer are tall flower stalks measuring at least 75cm (30in) in height, bearing clusters of slightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers.

Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained, and rich soils, and they absolutely dislike drought and scorching exposures. Avoid planting them in locations exposed to afternoon sun or direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground cover, borders, or in shaded to partially shaded perennial beds where other plants struggle to grow. They prefer sheltered locations that remain moist, such as woodland areas. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sunlight tends to make blue colours turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where its 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) particularly enjoy 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 such as gravel, which can deter these pests. It's worth noting that frogs and hedgehogs are their natural predators, so their presence is beneficial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem in the garden.

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 effective slug repellents. The silvery Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', which thrives in woodland areas, makes an excellent companion. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (Epimediums). The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones, creating a refreshing haven in shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden during summer. Hostas also thrive in pots, provided they are placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas complement spring bulbs that appear in late spring, providing ample foliage to cover fading plants. Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carex, 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 Hakonechloa and some Heucheras.

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