Hostas are one of the most popular shade perennials. They're carefree and easy to grow, and not only are there many variations of leaf color and pattern, the flowers on many varieties are attractive and fragrant, too. Two new hosta varieties feature the most striking flowers, yet. They look more like the flowers of a night-blooming cactus than a hosta.
Hosta plantaginea 'Venus' has sweetly scented, "twice-double" flowers. That means they are quadruple-petaled. The 5-inch-diameter white flowers emerge in late summer and early fall after most other hosta flowers have passed.
Hosta 'Fujibotan' is another double-flowered selection, and this one features 2-inch-diameter, lavender flowers. Both hostas grow about 2 feet tall with green leaves. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Charlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
