Originating from Asia, the Hosta genus belongs to the Agavaceae family and represents a genus producing herbaceous perennial plants, which bloom from early spring up until the middle of summertime. Amongst the countries where the Hosta flower can occur we can enumerate China, Japan and Korea.
Even though the plant originates from Asia, its name was given in the memory of its Austrian researcher called Nicholas Thomas Host, famous for running the botanical garden of Belvedere, in Vienna. For its complete dedication to botany and gardening, the Hosta flower received its named after him.
Hosta flowers are famous for their rich and abundant foliage and are often used as decorative plants which can fill up the spaces in one’s garden. Depending on their age, the foliage varies in shape. If we’re dealing with the young plant then its foliage of leaves can only spread out over a diameter of 2 inches, while when the plant has reached its maturity it can measure up to 40 inches in width. Remarkable for its leaves abundance, the Hosta is also producing flowers, which can vary in color. Amongst the most common colors that it occurs we can mention white, violet, lavender and in extreme cases pink. The flowers produced by the Hosta are without scent and the botanical researchers have only met one variety with scent that goes by the name of the August Lily, belonging to the Hosta genus. As opposed to the fact that the Hosta usually blooms in early spring, the August Lily doesn’t show its flowering until late summer.
Although its taxonomy is yet to be established, the Hosta genus is known to comprise of more than 40 species of flowers, not to mention the hybrids and cultivars of this genus, almost 3000 cultivars have been registered over the years.
The Hostas are very much utilized as decorative plants in gardens or other open-spaced areas. The ability to feed and grow even in the shade has made of these plants the perfect elements in a garden that’s not very rich in vegetation. Its beautiful small flowers and its dense and full foliage can only please the eye. The following cultivars have reached a high level of popularity and are now planted worldwide by flower lovers in their gardens, or by florist companies to offer them to sell: Hosta Francee, Gold Standard Hosta and the Undulata Hosta.
When found in the wild, the Hostas are known to become food for deer, slugs and snails. The dense leaves produce a sweet succulent juice and also a high amount of nutritive properties.
The cultivation process of the Hosta is not very complicated, as the number of its cultivars has reached 3000 and growing. Depending on the cultivated variety the nurturing process can be easier or daunting at times. Most of the times, the Hostas are plants who settle for some water and a fertilized soil.
Hosta Flower Pictures Gallery
