Plantain Lily

Hosta Krossa Regal

• Position: partial or full shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: July and August
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  This hosta is instantly recognisable for its upright, twisted, blue-green leaves with a quilted appearance, and tall spikes of pale lilac, bell-shaped flowers in July and August. The boldly corrugated leaves of this hosta make a bold statement in a large, well-drained, terracotta or stone container. In the garden, it is shown off to best advantage among other foliage plants, such as ferns. It needs shelter from cold, drying winds.

• Garden care: 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. Add a generous mulch of about 5-10cm (2-4in) deep of garden compost or leaf mould around the plant. Spraying the leaves regularly with a high nitrogen fertiliser during the growing season will also help to boost leaf size. Slugs and snails love hostas, so you will need to protect against them. Use an organic nematode treatment in early spring to ward off slugs. Or simply stick to a container.
  
  

  Water your hostas well as soon as you plant them and from then on water regularly during their first growing season. Give them a water about once or twice a week around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Little and often can be disatrous as it encourages the plant to produce roots closer to the surface in a desperate quest for moisture.