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Hosta recommendation for a container please.

PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
in Plants
I'm thinking about replacing a fern in a medium sized container in a shaded position with a Hosta, but not the usual variety found in a garden centre!  I'd like something with distinct or unusual variegation to brighten up the space, perhaps with fresh green, lime green, white or yellow colourings.  Are there any trusted favourites that you can recommend please?  Thank you.
Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited February 2023
    I’ve found that the ones with the lime green/yellow colours need a bit more light than most to get the real strong colours. If you can provide that take a look at Hosta ‘Stained Glass’ … we bought ours from Burncoose and it’s gorgeous.

      

    However I think my all time favourite Hosta is ‘June Fever’. It’s a fabulous vivid colour and the well-defined leaf shape and texture really sets it apart … I can’t find a good pic of mine, but have a look here 
    https://www.siennahosta.co.uk/collections/browse-all/products/june-fever#:~:text=Hosta%20June%20Fever%20is%20a%20stand%20out%20plant.,for%20a%20container%20in%20shade%20or%20part%20sunshine. 

    (I know nothing of Sienna Hostas tho … perhaps @Hostafan1 knows of them) 

    I grow both of the above in containers. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Wow, thank you very much @Dovefromabove, that's really helpful.  I like both of those - I'm sure I can find another container and location! 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited February 2023
     What do mean by "medium"?

    My terrace in August last year:


    Variegated plants, from the right front:
    1.Patriot
    2. Frances Williams
    3. Fire and Ice
    4. June (The favourite of Mrs Bowden, mother of the present owner of Bowdens Hostas, Sticklepath, Devon)
    At the back left:
    5. Francee
    6. behind June: Striptease. should be white and yellow variegation, but I rarely get the white.
    7.  Not on the terrace: Hosta venticosa.  A species with reputedly the best flowers, deep purple.  Comes true from seed.

    Why stop at one?

     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Your pots look like my medium pot @bede!  That's a very impressive collection you have, thank you for your recommendations.  Lots to consider now!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Correction:
    2. Francee
    5. Frances Williams


     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    @Plantminded Frances Williams is a favourite of mine not the leaf colour you are looking for maybe but the texture of the leaves is amazing.
    Some do start a lovely golden colour but as the season progresses they can become more of a plain green.
    I did grow one with white flowers that were scented a very long time ago but name escapes me. Krossa Regal has grey leaves and long stems which make it different to all other hostas.
    Hostas are great en masses as @bede 's photo shows
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • newbie77newbie77 Posts: 1,838
    My favourite is June.
    South West London
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Oh yes I agree … they work so well grouped together .., 
    and I found a photo of my June Fever. 
     

    Stained Glass at the back … June Fever in the foreground. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I think I'm at something near 260 varieties, and I aint stoppin' yet.
    Devon.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you very much for all your thoughts, very helpful!  They do look very good in a group - I've placed an order, not 1 but 5!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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