Hosta Zodiac

Hosta 'Zodiac' is a variety that owes its success to its foliage with spectacular colour changes! It bears large heart-shaped leaves, thick and heavily veined that start off light green, finely marginated with cream. They gradually turn chartreuse-green and then bright yellow. The narrow, slightly undulate margins end in pure white. It is adorned with pale lavender flowers, from July to August. Plant it in partial shade where its colours will lighten more easily and in moist and fertile soil. It is an interesting variety to brighten up darker areas of the garden or to provide structure and greenery in a flower bed with delicate flowers and foliage.

Hosta 'Zodiac' is a mutation of H. 'Richland Gold' and resembles H. 'Paradise Standard'. This Hosta, or Funkia, is a deciduous perennial that only starts to produce its leafy clump in spring. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The plant forms a compact, bushy clump reaching 50cm (20in) in height and 80cm (32in) in spread. It is a long-lived plant with oval leaves that have a cordate base, slightly wavy margins and pointed tips, measuring about 19cm (8in) in height and 15cm (6in) in width. The leaf blade is pleated with 10 pairs of deep veins. From the centre of its variegated foliage, short flower stalks emerge in the middle of summer, bearing funnel-shaped flowers that are lightly scented.

Hostas like moist, well-drained and rich soils, and they dislike drought and scorching exposures. Afternoon sun exposure should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves of these perennials. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick mulch. 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 thrive in sheltered and moist locations such as woodlands. 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 their 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 modern hybridisations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

Combine them in groups with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials like bugleweed, geraniums, and dead nettles. All are very effective as slug repellents. The silvery Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse, a familiar plant to woodland, will be excellent companions. Also consider the Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones. These combinations allow you to enhance shaded and slightly moist parts 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 pair wonderfully with spring bulbs that appear in late spring, just in time to cover the faded plants with their generous foliage! Around a pond, plant them with knotweeds, sedges, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

Did you know? Most 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.