Hosta Plant: Care, Varieties, and Growing the Shade-Loving Funkia Perennial
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Hosta is a decorative, shade-tolerant plant also known as the funkia. Its ornamental qualities show most fully in partly shaded spots, which makes it a favourite for the harder-to-plant corners of a garden.
In partial shade the plant develops a lush canopy of foliage, the variability of its leaf colours stands out clearly, and the tones and shades become especially rich. Most hosta species also do well in open positions, provided the soil they grow in is not allowed to dry out. 
Where does hosta come from?
The native range of hosta is Japan, China, and regions of the Far East. There it grows on rocks, along riverbanks, in forest clearings, beside springs, on sandy dunes, and in boggy places. Hosta begins to flower in June.
Late species and varieties open in August. Each individual species blooms for only a short time — 15 to 25 days. The plants reach a height of 30–70 cm, forming a luxuriant, dense rosette of very handsome, long-stalked leaves of varied shape. Many hosta species and varieties have already been introduced in Ukraine.
Which hosta varieties are most common?
The most frequently grown types in collections range from low-growing rosettes to tall, statuesque clumps. The main varieties differ in height, leaf shape and colour, and flowering time:
- Wavy hosta — 25–35 cm tall, one of the low-growing forms. It flowers from the second half of June.
- Lance-leaved hosta — somewhat taller at 40–50 cm, with medium-sized, glossy, dark-green lance-shaped leaves. Its inflorescence carries blue-violet flowers spaced sparsely along the flower stalks. It blooms in August.
- Decorative hosta — grows to the same height; distinguished by bright-green leaves with a wavy edge and lilac flowers. It comes into bloom in late June or early July.
- White-margined garden form of Fortune's hosta — has wavy-edged, broadly oval leaves marked with an uneven silvery-white stripe. The plants stand 40–50 cm tall, and the light-lilac flowers open at the end of June.
- Siebold's hosta — one of the tall members of the genus, reaching up to 60 cm in height when flowering, with broad, dark-green leaves bearing a bluish bloom.
- Glaucous (blue) hosta — also tall, over 70 cm, with grey-green leaves and a fairly large cluster of lilac flowers. The flower stalk rises a little above the foliage.
- Plantain hosta — 70 cm tall and one of the most ornamental. Its flowers are large, up to 5 cm across, pure white and fragrant. It blooms in August.
Gardeners value hosta not only for the natural beauty it offers from spring to late autumn, but also for being undemanding about growing conditions and easy to care for.
How to plant and grow hosta
Hosta is most often propagated by dividing the rhizome, best done in March–April, though it can also be done in autumn, in October. It can also be grown from seed sown either before winter or in spring; seedlings flower in their fourth year. Before planting in its permanent position, dig fairly deep holes and add humus to them.
Space the plants 40–60 cm apart depending on soil fertility. The plants spread quickly and retain their maximum ornamental value for up to five years without needing renewal.
Each year before winter, mound soil over the rhizome and apply a mulch to protect the buds near the surface from frost damage. In a temperate climate hosta overwinters well.
How is hosta used in the garden?
Hosta works for both single specimens and group plantings. It looks striking as a solitaire specimen or in small groups against a well-kept lawn, and it also makes an excellent backdrop for other plants.
Hosta can be used to create a very attractive decorative border, and these plants are equally at home decorating a rock garden.
