The morning light dappled and danced across the lawn.  It was soft and benevolent.  The sleepy trees seemed to stretch and extend towards her warmth while the flowers tilted their faces, greeting the day with a kiss from the sun.

It’s mostly true…sometimes true…I read about it once…  The cool temps and rain seem to be weighing heavily upon the majority.  The sun has made a few appearances, although fleeting, and we all seem to crave her affection.  It’s nothing more than a seasonal set back.  After all, Spring is a fickle lass, a bit of a teaser, but the landscape seems to be flourishing and certain plants, regardless of the Midwest’s erratic weather, always seem to prosper.  Hosta.

Now, before you roll your eyes or wag your fists at the screen, hear me out.  I know some find them incredibly common, even dull, but I promise you there are more Hostas out there than the variegated type we see most often, and sometimes placement,  scale and balance can make all the difference in the world.

Hosta Curly Fries

Ruffled, narrow chartreuse foliage grows in a mound 6-8″ high and 12-18″ wide.  Prefers moist, well-drained soil and shade to partial sun.  Benefits most from a little morning sun.  Works well in beds and containers.

Hosta First Frost

Blue-green foliage with stunning gold margins that brighten to pure white throughout the Summer.  Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full shade.  Grows 12-18″ high and 24-36″ wide.  Works well in beds, containers and under trees.

Hosta Halcyon

Heart shaped, blue-green leaves offer striking contrast in the landscape, especially when paired with yellow or green foliage.  Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full shade.  Grows 12-18″ high and 24-36″ wide.  Works well in beds, containers and under trees.  Slug resistant and fast growing.

Empress Wu Hosta

Considered the biggest Hosta in the world, Empress Wu’s deep green foliage can measure 1.5′ across!  Prefers moist, well-drained soil and shade to partial sun.  Grows 3-4′ high and 4-6′ wide.  Grows upright and works well in beds, under trees or as a specimen.

Hosta Paradigm

Brilliant gold foliage with irregular blue-green margins grows in a mound.  Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full shade.  Grows 18-24″ high and 3-4′ wide.  Works well in beds, under trees or as a specimen.  Slug resistant.

When using Hosta in the landscape, there are some things you should consider.  Certainly color, and as you can see, Hostas do offer color and bold contrast.  Size, shape, scale and texture should also be considered.  Some Hostas are quite small and compact, like Curly Fries, while some are amazingly large, like Empress Wu.  Some have narrow leaves while others are paddle-shaped or even resemble a heart.  Not sure how to make the most out of these hardworking perennials?  Contact Sweeney’s.  If we haven’t already convinced you of their beauty and value, let us design and plant them for you.

Plant of the Week:

Coreopsis ‘Sunshine Superman’

Because we needed a little sunshine, and this perennial exudes brightness and cheer.  Saucer-like flowers with fringed petals bloom June – September amongst slightly fuzzy foliage.  Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 12-18″ high and 12-18″ wide.

“The naked earth is warm with spring,

And with green grass and bursting trees

Leans to the sun’s kiss glorying,

And quivers in the sunny breeze.”

-Julian Grenfell

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney