Hosta undulata Mediovariegata

Hosta undulata 'Mediovariegata' is one of the great classics of shade gardens. Its strongly wavy, slightly twisted leaves display a broad creamy white centre irregularly edged in green. This variegation creates different patterns from one leaf to the next and gives the plant plenty of character. In summer, slender flower stems rise above the foliage, bearing pale mauve flowers.

Hosta undulata 'Mediovariegata' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This old variety, cultivated in Japan, is part of the Undulata horticultural group, whose exact parentage remains unknown. The name 'Mediovariegata', still widely used in nurseries, refers to its central variegation. It is therefore distinct from the 'Albomarginata' form, whose leaves are green in the centre and edged in white. In 1993, it received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit under the name Hosta undulata var. undulata. The plant has a perennial crown and forms a clump 30 to 45 cm high and 45 to 60 cm wide. In spring, its leaves gradually unfurl at the end of long petioles. Oval to elongated, pointed and 15 to 18 cm long, they have clearly visible veins and strongly wavy edges. Creamy white covers much of the lamina, while green forms an irregular margin that sometimes extends towards the centre. This margin may become slightly greener during the summer. This variety flowers in July and August. Its flower stems reach 60 to 75 cm in height and bear pendulous, funnel-shaped flowers in pale lavender. The foliage turns yellow before disappearing in autumn; the crown remains underground over winter and produces new shoots in spring. This hosta is very hardy, down to −20 °C at the lowest. 

Hosta 'Mediovariegata' is suited to woodland gardens, Japanese gardens and shady courtyards. Planted in dense groups, it creates an elegant border or can be used as ground cover. In a bed, it combines well with Hosta 'Halcyon', with blue foliage, Astilbe 'Sprite', with pale pink panicles, and Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen', a fern with finely divided fronds. The mixture of plain and variegated foliage prevents monotony and is enhanced by pastel flowers in summer. It can also be grown in a pot on a shady patio, and a few cut leaves will add interest to bouquets.