Hosta Reversed

Hosta 'Reversed' is a medium-sized variety with thick and heavily corrugated foliage, which is richly variegated. Its undulate leaves have an irregularly flamed centre of pale yellow, surrounded by margins where green and blue mix. Over the years, the yellow fades to white-cream and extensively invades the centre of the leaves. The flowering, in summer, is lavender blue. 'Reversed' is a luminous variety. It should be grown in ordinary and moist soil, preferably in partial shade or in the morning sun to accentuate the beauty of the foliage.

Hostas are deciduous perennial plants that belong to the lily family, or hostaceae. Hosta 'Reversed' is a hybrid derived from Hosta sieboldiana, whose leaves are heart-shaped and heavily wrinkled. 'Reversed' stands out with its magnificent variegated foliage, which is particularly contrasting. It is a sturdy and long-lived plant. The plant reaches a height of 50 cm (20in), or even more, and when in bloom, it spreads over 40 cm (16in). Over the years, it forms a dense clump, wider than tall. Its foliage is deciduous, in the shape of a large, tapering heart, with very prominent veins. The lamina is thick and heavily corrugated. The irregular, variegated borders of green and blue surround areas of rather bright yellow on young plants. A mature plant will produce leaves that are predominantly white with green-blue margins. Note that the foliage colours and colour contrast are accentuated with in a slightly sunny position. The flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of lightly scented, pale lavender, pendulous bells, grouped towards the top of the peduncles that can reach a height of 70 cm (28in).

Originally from China, Korea, and Japan, Hostas are very hardy plants. They are most commonly found as groundcover under deciduous trees, in damp beds or in rockeries and borders, especially near ornamental ponds. Hosta 'Reversed' will associate well with alchemillas, lungworts, helxine, ferns, epimediums, and Claytonia sibirica with which it forms beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also look good on a dark-coloured mulch, in the company of columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. 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, watering from the top of the pot can be done. Then place a saucer under the pot to keeping the moisture level constant in summer.

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