Hosta 'Sagae'

Hosta 'Sagae': Grand Texture with a Gilded Edge

Imposing yet elegant, Hosta 'Sagae' commands attention with its bold blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow. The foliage emerges upright and slightly twisted, gradually arching into a majestic, layered mound. In midsummer, pale lavender flowers rise on tall scapes, adding to the plant’s stately presence without distracting from its extraordinary foliage.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 65–80 cm
• Spread: 120–150 cm, forming a broad, cascading clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Large, blue-green leaves with irregular creamy-yellow margins; thick, slightly wavy, and waxy
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade; morning sun enhances colour
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Sagae' is a magnificent focal point in shade gardens, prized for its stature and striking colour contrast. It lends structure and drama to mixed plantings, woodland borders, and foundation beds. The thick leaves offer excellent slug resistance, and the plant’s long-lasting presence adds weight and balance to softer, finer textures nearby.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Sagae' with Astilbe 'Delft Lace', whose lacy, pink-tinted plumes contrast the hosta’s bold form and bloom at the same time. Add Dryopteris 'Eastern Wood Fern' for soft green fronds that echo the hosta’s form. Complete the scene with Carex 'Bowles Golden', which highlights the creamy margins with cascading golden tones.

Care Instructions: Grow in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Morning sun helps intensify leaf colour, but avoid hot afternoon exposure. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Cut back foliage in spring and divide every 4–5 years if needed to maintain vigour.

History: Hosta 'Sagae' originates from Japan and was originally known as Hosta fluctuans 'Variegated'. It was renamed and introduced to North American gardens, earning accolades including the American Hosta Growers Association’s Hosta of the Year in 2000 for its exceptional size, colour, and garden performance.

Final Thoughts: Grand, graceful, and golden-edged, Hosta 'Sagae' brings enduring beauty and bold texture to shady spaces—an unforgettable statement plant with regal bearing.