Hosta venusta

Hostas are a popular choice for shady gardens. They are easy to grow and come in a range of leaf colours, sizes and shapes. While mostly grown for their foliage, the flowers of some hostas are also of ornamental value, and some have a delicate scent.

Hostas grow best in moist soils, and benefit from a yearly mulch of well-rotted manure, leafmould or compost. They are also well suited to growing in containers, as long as the compost doesn’t dry out.

Hosta venusta is the smallest species of hosta. Plants form a compact mound, showing off their glossy dark green, narrow leaves. Trumpet-shaped, purple flowersare borne in late summer. Hosta venusta is perfect for growing at the front of the shady herbaceous border, or on its own in a container.