Hosta Delta Dawn

The Hosta 'Delta Dawn' is a rare and highly sought-after variety for its unique contrast and graceful habit! In spring, this perennial produces large chartreuse golden leaves with wide cream-white margins. Its semi-erect compact habit and undulating, beautifully curved leaves create an elegant silhouette. It is adorned with almost white flowers, slightly tinged with mauve, from June to July. Spreading widely, this hosta forms an effective ground cover in cool, light, and well-drained soil in shaded areas of the garden. It is a variety resistant to slugs and tolerates morning sun, under which its colors will further lighten to golden yellow and pure white.

This Hosta, or Funkia, is derived from a seedling of H. 'Aztec Treasure'. It is a deciduous and very hardy perennial, only producing its leafy clump from spring onwards. It belongs to the asparagaceae family. The plant forms a clump reaching 50 cm (20in) in height and 120 cm (47in) in width. It is a long-lived plant with ovate deciduous leaves with cordate bases that become deeply puckered with maturity, ending in a pointed tip. The lamina is pleated with 12-13 pairs of very pronounced veins. From the heart of its variegated foliage, short flower stalks measuring 50 cm (20in) in height emerge in summer, bearing racemes of bell-shaped flowers that are slightly fragrant.

Hostas thrive in cool, well-drained, and rich soils, absolutely avoiding drought and scorching exposures. In hotter and drier regions, a thick mulch should be provided. Hostas, with their generous and decorative foliage, are perfect as ground covers, borders, or in shady to partially shady flower beds, where other plants struggle to grow. Indeed, they prefer sheltered and cool locations such as woodlands. In general, exposure to morning sun allows these perennials to develop optimally and also makes them more floriferous. Blue-leaved varieties prefer shade as the sun tends to make them turn green. Lighter foliage thrives in partial shade, where their colors transform and lighten with increased sunlight. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are particularly fond of these fleshy perennials, and contemporary hybridizations aim to create hostas that are increasingly resistant to their attacks.

Combine them in mass plantings with other hostas, ferns, delphiniums, Solomon's seals, and other low-growing ground cover perennials such as creeping bugle, geraniums, and lamiums. All are very effective as slug repellents. The silver-leaved Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr Morse', familiar to woodland settings, will make excellent companions. Also consider Heucheras and their wonderful range of colors, or the delicate flowers of Epimediums. The golden foliage contrasts beautifully with their red and orange tones, creating a pleasant and cool haven for the summer in shaded and slightly damp parts of the garden. Hostas also thrive in containers, which should be placed in partial shade and watered regularly. Hostas pair wonderfully with spring bulbs that emerge in late spring, providing ample foliage to cover fading plants. Around a pond, plant them with persicaria, carex, and astilbes. The blue-toned foliage harmonizes perfectly with the red and purple foliage of Japanese maples.

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