Subtle links A strong design quality of hostas is the way they can be used to seamlessly link different spaces within the garden. For an example of subtly connecting two spaces with completely different characters, use them to edge a lawn in a formal area and again around a distant pond or stream. Because hostas have such a strong identity, there is no need to use exactly the same variety in both locations, but it is best to look for some similarities, such as size of leaf or base colour. Leaves The leaf shapes and sizes of hostas vary greatly. Often deeply textured with prominent veins, they can be either matt or glossy.
Colours range from the coolest of silver blues through to rich deep greens and yellows.
Many varieties are variegated with white, cream or gold, often as a distinct margin around the edge, or streaked as if a paint-brush was dragged lengthways down the leaf. There are also some with a crisp white edge, such as H. 'Patriot' or H. 'Francee'. Flowers As well as foliage, hostas have the added bonus of flowers. Trumpet or bell-shaped, these appear above the leaves on long stems and come in shades of purple, mauve and white. Although secondary to the foliage, the flowers can look very effective when planted en masse in a woodland setting.