Most gardens have areas that the majority of plants would hate to live in. Too shaded, too damp, too dry, these difficult conditions are not a problem for hostas. Hosta fortunei 'Aureomarginata' has ridged green leaves edged in yellow. It's quick-growing clump-forming habit will make easy to maintain ground cover. During summer there is the added attraction of 36cm (3') tall spikes of pretty bell shaped flowers making hostas a cheerful choice for shady borders. Height: 55cm (22). Spread: 100cm (39)
This vigorous hosta is one of the most striking cultivars with its white-margined foliage. Throughout mid-summer spikes of trumpet-like lavender-coloured flowers appear. Ideally suited to lightly-shaded locations around the garden and moist soil, it makes useful ground cover, however protect from slugs to maintain a good-looking plant. Ht. 60cm, spread 1m. Supplied as a mature plant in a 2 litre pot.
Damp, dry or shaded areas are not the ideal place for a great many plants but Hostas are the ideal solution. They are easy to grow and will provide ground cover in the shaded border or you can make a feature of them in a container if you have areas of the patio that don't catch the sun. Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans is clump forming and has strong blue-green foliage with deep ridges that give texture to the display and during the summer months you can expect stems of pale lilac flowers too. The Giant Blue Hosta is a worthy RHS Award of Garden Merit holder and is the perfect plant for moist, damp, dark borders or difficult, dry shady borders.. Height: 100cm (39). Spread: 120cm (48).
Hosta undulata var. undulata or 'Mediovariegata' is an RHS AGM winning hardy perennial that strikes a rare balance between flowers and foliage. In July and August, its lavender-blue, funnel-shaped blooms look stunning on their tall stems, particularly when the plant is featured in a patio container or at the front of a border. However, the leaves over which they tower are equally attractive, with a creamy-white centre and an unusual, twisted growth habit. This foliage also provides good groundcover in cottage and woodland gardens. Indeed, to achieve the brightest colours, a shady setting with plenty of trees is an ideal setting for this understated Plantain Lily. Height: 45cm (1'6). Spread: 45cm (1'6).
Hostas are one of the better known shade-loving plants, they thrive where many other plants would struggle and even succumb to the adverse conditions. Hosta fortunei 'Albomarginata' will be very happy in moist, damp, dark areas but dry shade isn't a problem too. The bold, colourful leaves have deep ridges and a creamy white edge and form a backdrop to the spikes of flowers which emerge in summer. The plants are robust, clump forming and easy to maintain. Height: 55cm (22). Spread: 100cm (39).