Hosta 'Great Expectations' (sieboldiana)

Description: Bold and very large, heart-shaped leaves with golden yellow centers which fades to white in the summer and irregular blue-green margins. In addition the leaves have an unusual puckered texture which makes it quite distinct from the wide range of Hostas available. In summer tall stems of delicate lily shaped near white flowers are produced in profusion above the mound of leaves.

Uses: As with all Hostas this  herbaceous perennial has wide range of uses in beds and borders, in containers, used as ground cover or specimen plants near waterside in woodlands and shade and also suited to half sun. Mass planting gives a wonderful show.

Climate/Position: A shade lover but more tolerant of sun than sometimes noted growing best with full morning sun but best to avoid afternoon sun which may cause leaf scorch.

Height/Spread: Forms a dense matt of leaves to 90cm spread 90 cm, flower spikes taller.

Soil Requirements: Grow in moist or even wet but well-drained, fertile soil, however, also tolerates dry shade and drought.

Pruning: No pruning but tidy as leaves die back in autumn.

Special Requirements: A summer mulch is beneficial on dryer soils. The thick puckered leaves of this variety do make it more slug resistant than other Hostas.  

Additional Interest: Hostas were introduced by Austrian botanist Nicholas Host (1761-1834) and this was a sport off Hosta fortunei introduced in 1887.