Hosta 'Catherine'

Gorgeous, smoky green foliage with lime then gold and rich cream flames burning through their centre. Pale lavender blue bells hover on erect, 60cm stems open early summer.

Hosta ‘Catherine’ has lovely thick foliage so is more dry tolerant than those Hostas with thinner leaves. The lush leaves grow 10-13cm. It is a quick variety with great health, good sun tolerance and even slug resistance.

In gardens or pots, Hostas are easy, their glorious, lush foliage is absolutely adorable and their flowers are a decorative and fragrant bonus. They thrive in morning sun to filtered light (not deep shade) positions. These easy care herbaceous perennials return reliably each season.

Use Hostas as a lush ground cover for shady spots and to light up areas under trees. Blue/green Hostas are best for deeper shade as the lighter colours tend to become drab without good, indirect light. While the lighter colours are more sun tolerant. They will all struggle with hot afternoon sun.

Hostas are handy to grow in pots, where they offer transportable pops of wonder. With the added advantage that you can bring them to the fore at their foliage crescendo, then hide the pots behind the shed as they begin to fade - but don't forget to water!

Plant Hostas in a bright filtered light, morning sun or part shade position, where they are sheltered from the hot afternoon sun. Humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. They prefer consistent moisture while growing. It is always a good idea to protect their foliage from slugs and snails who unfortunately find them delicious. They become dormant late autumn/winter, shooting quickly in spring. Add an all purpose fertiliser with the new growth. Give them time, the more they establish the better they will be, once they have taken root then the foliage will clump magnificently and they are commendably long lived.

Hostas are commonly known as Plantain Lilies.