
Funny how a plant hardly grown 40 years ago can now become one of the most commonly grown garden plants. But hosta has earned its spot in the hearts of gardeners -- it's among the easiest of plants to grow, as long as you have some shade and ample rainfall.
Hostas vary from tiny plants suitable for troughs or rock gardens to massive four foot clumps with heart-shaped leaves each almost two feet long, puckered, wavy-edged, white or green variegated, blue gray, chartreuse, emerald edged -- the variations do not stop. Seemingly endless foliage variations and sizes of hostas seem to appear each year. This tough shade-loving perennial blooms with white or purplish lavender funnel-shaped or flared flowers in summer. Some are intensely fragrant. Hostas are a favorite of slug and of deer.
Astilbe and hostas are the classic partnership in shaded places. The fine astilbe foliage and colorful flower plumes enhance a plantain lily bed all summer long.
ColumbineThe dancing colorful flowers of columbine bloom when plantain lilies are beginning to unfurl their young leaves, thus extending the season of interest in sun or part shade.
Holly fernThe upright fronds of Christmas fern contrast well against the solid foliage of plantain lily in shade.
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