Hosta London Fog

Hosta 'London Fog', with its leaves speckled with white and green, is named for the famous London fog. This cultivar forms a low, well-spreading clump, with narrow, pointed leaves almost entirely dusted with creamy white and soft green. Its foliage takes on a hazy, veiled appearance, very different from classic variegations with broad margins. Very hardy, happy in shade and in damp soil, it brings a bright and original touch to the garden.

'London Fog' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial: the foliage disappears completely in winter, then the crown regrows in spring. It is a sport (a spontaneous mutation) of Hosta 'Allegan Fog', registered by Mark Zilis and T. Toman in 2006. It is classified as a medium-sized hosta, but its height remains modest: the clump stabilises at around 25 to 30 cm tall and 60 to 70 cm wide, sometimes a little more with age. It forms a spreading cushion of upright leaves in the centre, but slightly arched outwards. Its growth is a little slow, especially in the first few years.
The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, about fifteen centimetres long, tapering to a point. Their colouring is singular: the background is creamy white to very pale green, completely speckled and streaked with soft green. Small green spots and streaks, more or less dense depending on the leaf, mingle with the veins. Unlike its parent 'Allegan Fog', it does not have a clear green margin. Depending on the season and exposure, the leaves may green slightly, but the plant retains its bright appearance. 'London Fog' flowers in July or early August, in the form of flower stems 25 to 50 cm tall, adorned with elongated bell-shaped, light mauve flowers.
Its hardiness, like other hostas (-20°C and below), allows it to be grown in almost all regions, provided the crown is protected from excessive stagnant moisture in winter.

'London Fog' is perfect for brightening a shaded border, the edge of a woodland, or a damp rockery. Place it in the foreground to enjoy its fine leaves with delicate patterns. You can pair it with variegated hostas like 'Allegan Fog' or 'White Feather', almost white in spring. A large Hosta 'Sagae' will add volume in the background, and the dark, spotted heuchera 'Midnight Rose' a lovely touch of colour.