Hosta Catalogs: Discover the Shade Garden's Crown Jewels

For hardy, low-maintenance, adaptable perennials with texture and character, explore hosta catalogs. Native to China, Korea, and Japan, they thrive in maritime climates. 40 species and hundreds of cultivars exist. Most prefer dappled light, cooler temperatures, and moist organic soil.

A Hosta Sampler

While they flower (bottlebrush or trumpet blooms, white to lavender), hostas are prized for foliage. Categories: blues, golds, greens, white/gold variegated. Edging varieties (<12"), background cultivars (~24"), and fragrant late-bloomers.

Notable blues: 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' (18-20", 4' spread, deeply cupped leaves, near-white post-solstice blooms), 'Bluebeard' (6", late summer bloom). 'The Brigadier' (28" high, 5' wide, broad smooth leaves) excels as background.

Fragrant cultivars: 'Emily Dickinson' (rare variegated + fragrant), 'Aphrodite' (sun-tolerant, 2', double white August blooms), 'Mistress Mabel' (17", creamy white August flowers).