Hosta Electrocution

The Hosta 'Electrocution' is a dwarf variety with a beautifully tapered foliage. Its long, straight and narrow leaves are undulate and tightly twisted. They are adorned with a fine margin, first yellow and then white at maturity. From June to July, it produces long stems bearing pendulous lavender flowers. It is a fast-growing Hosta that stands out in borders or in a round pot to contrast with its unique appearance. Hostas like semi-shaded to shaded locations, in cool, well-drained soil, ordinary to rich.

This Hosta or Funkia 'Electrocution' is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the asparagus family. This variety was obtained by Tony Avent in 2005. It is a deciduous very hardy perennial. It forms a low but fairly spreading clump from spring onwards. The plant reaches 30 cm (12in) in height and 45 cm (18in) in spread at maturity. Its leaves are narrow and upright, veined and slightly glossy, measuring about 18 cm (7in) in height and 5 cm (2in) in width. They are highly twisted and tightly undulate. They are medium green with a fine margin, initially yellow when the leaves are young, and then white. Flowering occurs in June and July in the form of elongated lavender bell-shaped flowers. The base of its petioles is tinged with red. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

Hostas are sensitive to drought and scorching exposures. An afternoon sunlit location should be avoided as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. With their generous and decorative foliage, they are perfect as ground cover, borders, or in semi-shaded to shaded flower beds where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they prefer sheltered locations that remain cool, such as woodlands. In general, morning sun exposure allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. On the edge of woodlands, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Hosta 'Electrocution' pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica. They form beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It also looks great in the company of white columbines that enhance its variegated foliage, Brunneras, and Heucheras in borders. It is perfect in a beautiful rounded bed that highlights its graceful habit. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

Most species found in Western gardens have been introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called 'urui' in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.