Hosta x tardiana Sunny Halcyon

Hosta 'Sunny Halcyon' is a splendid golden-leaved version of the very popular Hosta Halcyon, a true favourite! Its thick-textured leaves form a beautiful bouquet that changes from chartreuse-green to pure gold in summer, at the same time as the lavender flowers appear. A medium-sized plant, it establishes itself quite slowly, eventually forming a good ground cover. It is an easy perennial to grow in moist terrain, ideal for brightening up moist areas of the garden or shaded terraces.

Hostas are deciduous perennial plants that belong to the lily family and the hosta family. Hosta Sunny Halcyon is part of a line of hybrid funkias called 'tardiana'. It is a seedling of the excellent 'Halcyon', itself obtained in 1986 by cross-breeding the late-flowering Hosta with the H. sieboldiana var. Elegans. 'Sunny Halcyon' is a long-lived plant. Its deciduous vegetation emerges in spring and disappears in winter. Eventually, the plant forms a dense clump measuring about 40cm (16in) in height and 60cm (24in) in width. The foliage, initially upright, tends to spread a little on the ground over time. The leaves are heart-shaped, with a smooth surface and very visible parallel veins. The lamina is thick and can measure up to 20cm (8in) in length. This thick foliage also resists gastropod attacks quite well. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of compact pale lavender pendulous bell-shaped spikes, grouped towards the top of the peduncles which can reach 55cm (22in) in height. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries.

Originally from China, Korea, and Japan, Hostas are very hardy plants. They are most often found as ground cover under deciduous trees, in moist beds, or in rockeries and borders, especially near ornamental ponds. The hybrid Hosta 'Sunny Halcyon' will associate well with helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica, with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also be happy in the company of columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. A special geranium potting soil should be chosen and used during the growing period. As long as the foliage is not too dense, watering can be done from above the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot, maintaining a constant level of water in summer. To enhance the golden foliage of 'Sunny Halcyon', place the plant near blue or purple-leaved plants.