Hosta Justine

Hosta 'Justine' is a lovely cultivar of medium size with variegated foliage. It is a shade-loving plant that forms a bushy clump of very shiny leaves, well-veined, elongated in shape, with golden yellow margins and dark green centres. A few hours of sunlight per day allow it to maintain its bright yellow colour. Its summer flowering, with bell-shaped spikes in shades of mauve, on reddish-purple flower stalks, adds to its charm. Whether in the garden or in a pot on the terrace, it brings light and distinction. Good resistance to slugs.

This Hosta 'Justine', is a completely hardy perennial plant that belongs to the lily family or the hosta family. This variety, derived from 'June fever', shows a bushy clump habit starting from spring. The plant, mature in 5 years, reaches 40 cm (16in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width under good conditions. The leaves are very thick and glossy. They are ovate and pointed, lanceolate, with well-marked veins. The centre is bright yellow with a narrow margin of intense dark green. The plant retains its golden yellow colour in the sun, and this cultivar tolerates it quite well. Place it in a partially shaded position, with a few hours of sunlight per day. In more shade, the centre of the leaf becomes lighter green. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of elongated mauve bells, clustered on reddish-purple stalks that emerge widely from the foliage. This perennial spreads by stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

On the edge of the forest, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this hosta combines well in partial shade with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, creating beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It also looks great alongside acteas with purple foliage, columbines, and tall foxgloves. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years. As long as the foliage is not too dense, you can water from the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot to keep the moisture level constant in summer.

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