Hosta 'UNDULATA MEDIOVARIEGATA'

Plantain lilies are reliable perennials from East Russia, Korea, China, and Japan. In the wild they grow in various locations – along rocky streambanks, in alpine meadows, as well as in not too shaded woodland. They are cultivated for their bold foliage, often variegated, and bell-shaped flowers in summer.

Undulata is a series of 6 plantain lily varieties with wavy margins. Undulata Mediovariegata makes narrowly ovate, dark green leaves with creamy white centres. They have long stalks which enables new foliage to reach just above the tuft level and arch over the existing leaves creating a lovely, layered impression. In midsummer rise thin, light green, 40-50 cm tall stems topped with narrowly funnel-shaped, pale lilac-violet, fragrant flowers. Grow it as a clump or divide young plants and plant them nearby to create a dense groundcover.

Hostas need constantly moist, fertile soil that never dries out – keep it always mulched. They respond well to fertilizing and produce stronger foliage and denser tufts. Ideal location is partial shade, or full sun with some shade during the day. Full shade is fine but plants may not flower as freely or at all. Drought can result in weakened plants that will be prone to diseases, and combination of drought and full sun will damage most variegated cultivars. Beware of slugs and snails who come to feast on their leaves without an invitation. Being deciduous, remove all wilted foliage from previous year in early spring and make sure not too damage emerging bourgeons. They cope well with polluted environment in cities. Hardy to about -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 08-08-2023