Gorgeous All Summer Long - Hostas!

Hostas are one of our favourite perennials at Gemmell’s, and for good reason. They play an important role in garden design, working beautifully as edging along walkways, planted beneath tree canopies, or used to add calming foliage among brighter, more colourful blooms.

Looking for a plant that thrives in full to part shade, is drought tolerant once established, and stays tidy and attractive all summer long? Then a hosta belongs in your garden.

Unparalleled for their stunning foliage, hostas range in colour from blue-grey and deep green to bright chartreuse. They act as true showpieces in the garden from early spring through late fall, when many varieties turn a beautiful shade of yellow. With over 45 varieties available here at Gemmell’s, choosing just one can be a challenge — so here are a few of our favourites.

Favourite Hosta Varieties

Hosta of the Year ‘Earth Angel’
Large, heart-shaped blue-green leaves with creamy white margins and pale lavender flowers make this a standout variety. Grows approximately 30–35 inches tall.

Hosta ‘Striptease’
This variety features leaves with a light yellow centre and a wide green edge, accented by a thin white stripe between the centre and margin. Grows to about 24 inches and performs well in full sun to full shade.

Hosta ‘Fire & Ice’
Crisp variegated leaves with deep green margins brighten shaded garden spaces. Beautiful planted between rocks or along garden edges, and especially striking paired with white flowers or ferns. Grows approximately 20 inches tall.

Slugs Love Hostas

Slugs are naturally drawn to the cool, shady areas where hostas thrive. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly ways to manage them. One of the most effective options is diatomaceous earth, which contains microscopic mineral deposits that are harmless to people and pets but abrasive to slugs when crawled across or ingested.

Another tried-and-true method is placing a shallow dish of beer beneath your hostas. Call it a slug bar if you like slugs are attracted to it, climb in, and don’t climb back out.

With the right variety and a little care, hostas offer reliable beauty, structure, and texture in shaded gardens year after year.