Hosta Sieboldiana Var. Elegans | 9cm Pot

One of the earliest to flower. Position: partial or full shade Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to August Hardiness: fully hardy Huge, sculptural, corrugated grey-blue leaves are topped with spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers of the palest lilac from early summer (which is earlier than many of the other hostas). When the plant has finished flowering, the seed pods split into tiny, star-like segments, which is also quite attractive. The striking leaves of this plaintain lily make a dramatic full stop at a woodland edge, where they contrast beautifully with ferns and other foliage plants. Once established, its foliage will also help suppress weeds. Garden care: Water your hosta well as soon as you plant it (avoiding the foliage if possible), and then water it regularly and thoroughly – particularly during the first growing season. You’ll get thicker, lusher leaves if you give your hostas a really good feed. An annual mulch in spring or autumn will help to keep the weeds down and is an easy way to improve soil and boost nutrient levels. Slugs and snails love hostas, so you will need to protect against them. Use an organic nematode treatment in early spring to ward them off – or pot them up into a gravel-topped pot.