Hosta Eye Catcher

The Hosta 'Eye Catcher' owes its charm to its bumpy, embossed, and undulated leaves. It develops thick foliage, slightly incurved cups, in a golden yellow colour. Later in the season, they turn a tender green. It is a Hosta that tolerates sunny exposure, but not scorching. Its summer flowering, with bell-shaped spikes in shades of mauve, adds to its appeal. Small in size and very bright, it will make a great impact as a border, in a mass planting, or in a pot.

This Hosta, or Funkia 'Eye Catcher' is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the asparagus family. This variety was obtained by Goodwin in 1996. It is a deciduous perennial that forms a compact and balanced clump starting from spring. The plant, of medium growth, reaches 40 cm (16in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in spread. Its leaves are round and cordate, veined and deeply embossed. Their colour ranges from golden yellow to tender green or chartreuse. The flowering takes place in July and August, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. The undulation and embossed texture of this variety give it its charm, as well as its bright colour. The flowering takes place in August and September, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

Hostas like fresh, well-drained, and rich soils, absolutely fearing drought and scorching exposures. A location exposed to afternoon sun 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, even fully shaded, flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They like sheltered and cool positions such as woodlands. Varieties with blue and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. The sun tends to make blue colours turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in semi-shade where their colour transforms and lightens with increased sunlight.

At the edge of woodlands, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Hosta 'Eye Catcher' pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, creating beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It also looks great alongside acteas with purple foliage and columbines. If planted in a sunnier location, in consistently moist soil, it appreciates the company of foxgloves and Iris pseudacorus near a water source. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

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