Hosta Eskimo Pie

Hostas are perennial herbaceous plants with deciduous foliage that reproduce from rhizomes and stolons. They differ in size, texture, and colour. Originally from East Asia, they were first brought back from Japan and then from Korea. But these Liliaceae are also found in northern China and eastern Siberia. They are also commonly called Hosta or Plantain Lily because of their foliage.
Excellent plants for shade, they are grown for their highly decorative foliage. The pale yellow leaves striped with chartreuse green and edged with bluish green of the Hosta Eskimo Pie are deeply veined and measure an average of 15cm (6in). The yellow colour gradually turns to ivory white in summer. The parallel veins on the leaves are specific to this family. This miniature variety spreads over 50cm (20in) in width, making it a good option for ground cover. From June to July, a series of long stems that overhang the leafy tuft bear a terminal cluster of very white flowers, slightly pendulous, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in). Despite their resemblance to lily flowers, they are completely odourless. Hostas prefer rich loamy soils, even heavy and clayey soils, as long as they remain slightly moist. If they are happy, they will stay in place for years without requiring special care.

Pair them with the gold of Geranium phaeum Margaret Wilson, with ramsons, with the old rose colours of Digitales mertonensis, or even with the purple fronds of the fern Athyrium niponicum Pictum. All are very effective as slug repellents. Lobelia speciosa Russian Princess and the familiar silver Brunnera macrophylla Mr Morse will be excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colours, or the delicate flowers of fairy bells (Epimediums). This way, you will enhance the shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden by creating a pleasant haven for the summer. Hostas also thrive in pots, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly.
Important to know: the lighter the leaves of the hostas, the more they tolerate stronger sunlight. Dark leaves, especially the blue ones, are more sensitive to it, and the heat causes them to lose the waxy film responsible for their colour. A few hours of sun per day, even partial, are more than enough for these plants of shade rather than full shade. In fact, without much sunlight, they will not flower. As it would be a shame to deprive oneself of these magnificent flowers, it is important to find a harmonious compromise between light and shade.