Hosta Beach Boy

The 'Hosta 'Beach Boy'' is a variety with quite significant size, characterized by large, thick leaves, marginated with green-blue and light green around a wide, light yellow to cream central zone. Each leaf is different and the lush vegetation forms a shimmering ensemble. Its beautiful white flowers touched with pale lavender appear in summer. Easy to grow and successful in cool soil, not attractive to slugs, the 'Beach Boy' hosta will bring a beautiful touch of colour to shaded and cool areas of the garden.

This 'Hosta 'Beach Boy', or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial, with a spreading habit from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. This variety is a seedling of the 'Dream Weaver' hosta, from which it distinguishes itself by brighter colours in the center of the leaves. The plant will slowly reach 40 cm (16in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in flower, it will spread over 80 cm (32in). It forms a much wider clump than it is tall. It is a long-lived plant, with large and wide heart-shaped leaves, ending in a pointed tip, with visible veins. The lamina is particularly thick, it is not very often attacked by gastropods.

When used alone, 'Hosta Beach Boy' will become a focal point in any shaded flower bed, at the turn of an alley, or between the stones of a damp rockery. It will associate well with many perennials such as astilbes, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica with which it forms pretty colourful duets that require little maintenance. Its ample foliage will conceal the gaps left by spring-flowering bulbs. It will also be advantageous in the company of lungworts, brunneras, and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be paired with partially shaded shrubs such as Mexican orange blossoms, variegated hollies, and azaleas. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. Choose a special geranium potting soil to use during the growing season. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from above the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you pour water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

Most of the species widespread in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Edible, hostas are called 'urui' in Japan where they are commonly consumed.