Hosta Earth Angel

This large hosta develops large heart-shaped, thick leaves with very prominent veins, in a bluish-green olive colour, widely edged with yellow cream flames. Eventually, the plant will form a lush dome with a ground cover of 1.20 metres (4 feet). This variety blooms in July-August, with small pale lavender bell-shaped flowers, almost white. This generous perennial is easy to grow and succeed in a cool soil. Neglected by slugs, it will be a major asset to animate a shaded area, or the surroundings of a pond.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is a completely hardy perennial, with, from spring, creates a wide clump habit. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. 'Earth Angel' is a child of the variety 'Blue Angel'. The plant will reach 75-80 cm (30-32in) in height and exceed 1 m (3ft) in flowers, and will cover more than one square metre, increasing over the years. It forms a bunch of leaves wider than high. It is a plant with a good longevity, with large and wide deciduous heart-shaped leaves; ending with a tapered tip, somewhat embossed in appearance. The lamina is thick and crossed by visible veins. In spring, the margins are a chartreuse green shade, then under the effect of summer heat, they evolve into yellow and cream and expand at the expense of the centre of the leaves which becomes greener. From the heart of its variegated foliage, floral stems emerge in July-August, bearing racemes of small pendulous bell-shaped flowers, barely touched by lavender, grouped towards the top.

The hybrid Hosta 'Earth Angel' will not go unnoticed, attracting all eyes in a semi-shade scene. It can be associated with many perennials such as astilbes, ferns, rodgersias, and Claytonia sibirica with which it forms beautiful colourful duets that require little maintenance. It will also be advantageous in the company of columbines and tall foxgloves or small violets. It can also be paired with bushes that thrive in semi-shade such as Mexican orange trees, 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 the top of the pot. Then place a saucer under the pot where you will pour the water, maintaining a constant level in summer.

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