Thanks to numerous hosta species, the shady garden corner is no longer a cheerless blemish in the overall picture of the home oasis. Hosta varieties are not only known for their decorative appearance, but also thrive in places where it is much too dark for other plants. Whether it should be the timeless classic or a decorative rarity is up to you in view of the large selection.
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Hosta species for partially shaded locations
Fortunately, even owners of a sun-drenched garden don’t have to do without the beautiful flowers. Funkia species are now so popular that breeders have also succeeded in growing light-tolerant hosta varieties.
Blaurand Gold Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚Forbidden Fruit‘)
- Flower color: lavender
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 50 to 60 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
The Blue Edge Gold Funkie is proof that it is possible to bring many bright colors into the garden bed, even in the smallest of spaces. While these don’t appear at the same time of year, the color change of this hosta species makes it a very worthwhile purchase. While the foliage initially appears dark blue, it gradually changes to a bright yellow-orange. Even later, the leaves lighten up more and more, so that they finally shine almost white. With conscientious care, the gardener can enjoy this spectacle every year.
Gold Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚Stained Glass‘)
- Flower color: whitish
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 50 to 70 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
This Hosta species is a specimen from the ranks of the fragrant Hosta varieties. The slightly wavy, heart-shaped leaves have a greasy sheen and maintain their intensity all year round. Above all, however, it is the flowers that make the plant a decorative eye-catcher in the garden. First of all, of course, the scent draws everyone’s attention to the plant. The white flowers between the leaves, which develop from a purple bud, can then be easily recognized. In contrast to many other hosta species, this gold hosta needs light rather than shade. In sunny locations, their flowering is even richer.
Small Green Edge Hosta (Hosta Hybride ‘Amy Elisabeth’)
- Flower color: lavender
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 20 cm
- Planting distance: 20 cm
Opinions are divided on this hosta, which is prettier to look at, the small purple, bell-shaped flowers that appear in early summer, or the bright yellow foliage surrounded by a dark green border? With regard to the advantages of care, botanists agree: the Small Green Edge Hosta is extremely easy to care for, vigorous and robust.
Hosta species for shady or semi-shady locations
Most hosta species thrive best in a shady location. These species unfold their full splendor under trees or on house walls.
Blaublatt Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚Abiqua Drinking Gourd‘)
- Flower color: whitish
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 50 to 60 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
Not only do the bright white flowers stand out clearly from the dark blue leaves of the Blue Leaf Hosta, the latter also have a handsome bowl shape. If the rainwater collects in it, a very special spectacle is created for the viewer. Snails, on the other hand, are less pleased with the leaves of this hosta variety. The thick fleshy leaf structure makes the plant very resistant to predators.
Blueleaf hosta (Hosta hybrid ‘Halcyon’)
- Flower color: light violet
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 40 to 50 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
Whether in a bed or in a bucket, the blue-grey leaves of this hosta variety always impress. The gardener should plant the plant in a shady location so that the intense foliage color is maintained throughout the summer.
Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚Dream Weaver‘)
- Flower color: whitish
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 20 to 45 cm
- Planting distance: 40 cm
Good things need because, as the saying goes. True to this motto, this hosta variety develops slowly. But then it unfolds its true beauty. The green leaves with a yellow center create a spectacular play of colors in the garden and are also attractively wavy. The buds also appear picturesquely in early summer, from which white flowers develop a few months later. This hosta species forms a compact clump with an upright habit.
Gold Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚August Moon‘)
Flower color: light violet to white
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 50 to 60 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
Because the Gold Funkie thrives very well in a sunny location, it also has correspondingly light leaves. Only in late summer does the bright yellow turn into a light green, which does not mean that the hosta loses its visual appeal. In addition, the leaf shape is slightly wrinkled, which also makes this hosta unique.
Gold Funkie (Hosta Hybride ‚June Fever‘)
- Flower color: lavender
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 30 to 35 cm
- Planting distance: 30 cm
This hosta variety is a new breed, which can be clearly seen from the many beneficial properties. For example, the plant is immune to snail damage and can adapt perfectly to the individual site conditions. It thrives in both shade and sun, with the latter location requiring sufficiently moist soil. If this condition is met, the bright green-yellow leaves with the irregular dark green edge compete with the sun all summer long.
Goldrand Funkie (Hosta Hybrid ‚Ben Vernooij’)
- Flower color: purple
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 40 to 50 cm
- Planting distance: 50 cm
This hosta brings color to dark corners of the garden; the bluish shimmering foliage with the yellow stripes is particularly effective when planted under trees. Even in the shade, the gold-rimmed hosta grows into a dense eyrie. It is one of the half-height Hosta varieties and has been awarded by the Dutch Hosta Association for its impressive appearance. How fortunate that snails spare the robust plant with their food.
Korea Funkie (Hosta clausa var. Normalis)
Flower color: purple to violet
- Flowering period: July to August
- Growth height: 20 to 60 cm
- Planting distance: 35 cm
The small exotic from Asia impresses with funnel-shaped flowers on long stalks, which form an interesting contrast to the comparatively small leaves. The Korea Funkie has a rather slow growth and does not form compact clumps. Instead, it makes a wonderful decorative plant between shrubs or as a ground cover.
Giant Blue Leaf Hosta (Hosta hybrid ‘Blue Angel’)
- Flower color: white to violet
- Flowering period: June to July
- Growth height: 70 to 100 cm
- Planting distance: 90 cm
The appearance of this hosta with the greyish, blue leaves is almost exotic. The foliage is impressively wavy and heart-shaped. However, the giant blue leaf hosta takes up a little more space than other hosta varieties. To balance this claim, she rewards the gardener with an extra long flowering time and a high tolerance to snails and diseases. Young plants should initially grow in the shade, but after a certain age they can also survive in dry places.
