‘Frances Williams’ prefers light morning sun and afternoon shade, but will grow in almost full sun (except in the South) if given rich soil and constant moisture. Leaves will burn if given too much sun, but some bright, indirect light intensifies the variegation of the foliage and increases flowering. If you prefer foliage only, simply remove the flower stalks. Divide clumps only when they become overcrowded.
Hostas have become the perennial of choice for the shade garden, prized for their beautiful and richly textured foliage. No other plant is as attractive or as versatile in combination with other plants. Hostas are hands-down winners for their low-maintenance requirements and for their ability to outcompete weeds—not to mention for introducing more shades of blue and green foliage into the garden than any other plant! Colors range from forest green, chartreuse, and yellow to bluish green and grayish blue. Some cultivars are variegated at the leaf margins or with a central flame pattern in white, cream, or yellow. (‘Krossa Regal’ is pictured here.) Though sometimes overlooked, hosta blossoms make excellent cut flowers. Some varieties are exquisitely fragrant.
ZONES: 3–9
BLOOM TIME: Early summer
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 6–36 inches
INTEREST: Beautiful variegated leaves; white or pale lavender blossoms
Where rainfall is plentiful in summer, most landscapes in temperate climates have a site for this and other hostas. The lush foliage fits easily into shrub and perennial borders and is widely used as an accent among foundation plants, around the base of a tree, or scattered throughout low ground covers on banks or near lawns. In humid northern climates, you can grow fragrant hosta in full sun as long as the soil stays adequately moist. Where heavy soil is soggy from winter rains, plant on raised mounds for better drainage; the dormant crowns suffer from wet conditions.