Hosta Frosted Raspberry

Hosta 'Frosted Raspberry' is a dwarf variety with elegant, lanceolate, pointed, dark green foliage bordered by very fine undulate white margins. Its leaves are shiny and veined, and its petioles are red, just like its parent hosta Raspberry Sorbet. It has medium growth and forms a balanced and low clump, offering beautiful late summer flowering. Its stems are adorned with bell-shaped flowers in shades of mauve tinged with magenta at their base. It is a Hosta for partial shade or shade, in borders, flower beds, or pots, where it shines with delicacy and distinction.

This Hosta Frosted Raspberry, belongs to the asparagus family. This variety was obtained by Jan van den Top in 2019. It is a very hardy deciduous perennial. Starting from spring, it develops a low and fairly spreading clump. The plant reaches maturity after 5 years and measures 25 cm (10in) in height and 45 cm (18in) in width. Its leaves are lanceolate and pointed, shiny and veined. They are dark green with a white border and are carried by contrasting red petioles. The flowering takes place in July and August, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. This perennial spreads through stolons, similar to strawberries. It is a long-lived plant.

Hostas are sensitive to drought and scorching exposures. A sunny afternoon location should be avoided as it can burn the leaves. With their generous and decorative foliage, they are perfect as groundcover, borders, or in semi-shaded to shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. They like sheltered and damp locations. In general, planting them in morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. On the edge of the undergrowth, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Frosted Raspberry Hosta pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, forming beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It also looks good in the company of white-flowered columbines that highlight its delicate white border, Brunneras, and Heucheras in borders. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

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