Hosta Hans

Hosta Hans has a lot of charm with its large bumpy, wavy and pleated leaves, which are very variegated, round and pleated. The centre of the leaf is white, and forms a feather pattern, surrounded by a green halo and then a wide glaucous blue-green margin. It is a vigorous variety, although medium-sized. Its flowers in the middle of summer, in spikes adorned with mauve bells, adds to its charm. Very bright, it has a great effect in a partially shaded flower bed.

Hosta Hans is a plant that belongs to the asparagus family. This variety comes from Hosta Andrew, which has passed on the quality of its foliage. It was created in honour of Hans Hanson, director of hybridisation at Walters Gardens. It is a very hardy deciduous perennial. It forms a fairly spreading, vigorous clump from spring onwards, reaching 50 cm (20in) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width at maturity. Its leaves are round and folded, bumpy and wavy. Their colour is white in the centre, surrounded by a green halo and a wide dark green border. The flowering takes place in July and August, in the form of elongated lavender-coloured bells. This perennial spreads by stolons, like strawberries. It is a hardy plant with a good lifespan.

The hostas are sensitive to drought and scorching exposure. An afternoon sunlit location should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves of these perennials. With their generous and decorative foliage, they are perfect as groundcover or in partially shaded flower beds, or even shaded areas where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they like sheltered locations that remain cool, like woodlands. In general, exposure to morning sun allows optimal development of these perennials and also makes them more floriferous. On the edge of woodland, sheltered from the wind, where the soil is deep and fertile, this Hosta Hans pairs well with ferns, meadow rues, and Claytonia sibirica, forming beautiful colourful duos that require little maintenance. It will also be advantageous to pair it with Hellebores, Brunneras, and Heucheras in borders. All hostas grow well in pots and can remain in the same container for several years.

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