Hosta Abiqua Ariel

The Hosta 'Abiqua Ariel' is a variety that notably distinguishes itself from other yellow-leaved hostas with its variable and subtle colouration! It bears beautiful, thick, heart-shaped leaves, heavily puckered and nicely folded into cups. They emerge blue-green and turn chartreuse, covered with a greyish bloom that reveals yellow highlights in some areas. Being small in size, it has a very compact habit that would work wonders in a pot or as a border plant, in cool and shady conditions.

The Hosta 'Abiqua Ariel' is a hybrid seedling resulting from the cross-breeding of H. 'Aspen Gold' and H. 'Golden Chimes''. This Hosta, or Funkia, is a deciduous perennial that is very hardy, emerging with its leafy clump only in spring. It belongs to the asparagus family. The plant forms a compact, bushy clump reaching 30 cm (12in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width. It is a long-lived plant with medium-sized, rounded and cordate leaves, heavily puckered and folded into cups with a whitish underside, growing up to 20 cm (8in) tall and 17 cm (7in) wide, with pointed tips. Its lamina is pleated with 12 to 13 pairs of deep veins. From the heart of its textured and luminous foliage, from July to August, numerous almost white flowers emerge on flowering stems, emitting a light fragrance.

Hostas thrive in cool, well-drained, and fertile 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. In hotter and drier regions, provide a thick layer of mulch. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground covers, borders, or in partly to fully shaded flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they prefer sheltered and cool locations, such as woodlands. Varieties with bluish and green foliage tolerate dense shade better. Sunlight tends to make blue varieties turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their coloration transforms and lightens with increased sunlight. In general, morning sun exposure allows for optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials but contemporary hybridizations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks. Spread ashes around the clumps to keep them away or regularly weed the soil.

Combine them in masses with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seal, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as creeping bugles, geraniums, and lamiums. All are very effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', familiar in woodland settings, will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras with their fantastic range of colours, or the delicate fairy flowers (Epimediums). The golden foliage contrasts wonderfully with their red and orange tones. By doing so, you will enhance the shaded and slightly moist parts of the garden, creating a pleasant haven of freshness for the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots that should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs that appear in late spring, just in time to cover the faded plants with their generous foliage! Plant them around a pond with persicarias, carexes, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage harmonises perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

Did you know: Most species commonly found in Western gardens were introduced from Japan. Hostas are edible and are called urui in Japan, where they are commonly consumed.