Hosta 'June Fever'

Hosta 'June Fever': Glowing Gold Leaves for Dim Corners

Shiny leaves with a bright gold centre and a thin blue-green edge. 'June Fever' is running hot and glowing, and THE ONLY CURE IS MORE HOSTAS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta (Tardiana Group) 'June Fever'
• Common Name: Plantain lily, hosta
• Height: 40 cm (16 in)
• Spread: 75–80 cm (30–31 in)
• Flowers: Pale lavender, on strong, upright stems above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July to August)
• Foliage: Shiny leaves with a bright gold centre that turns chartreuse, and a narrow blue-green margin

Where to Plant: Its medium size and bright colour make it a natural for the front of a shady border, a path edge or a container. A group of three makes a glowing patch under trees.

Companion Plants: Set Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic' behind this hosta, where its pink spires rise to 120 cm and carry the show from August into October, just as the lavender hosta flowers fade. Along the front, Pulmonaria 'Moonshine' opens blue flowers in April and May, long before the hosta is in bloom. Athyrium 'Ghost' adds lacy fronds at 60 cm, a fine texture beside the hosta's broad, solid leaves. All four share the same shady to part-sun spot, so the bed looks settled from spring to fall.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil with compost worked in. A little morning sun keeps the gold bright. Afternoon shade protects the leaves from scorch. Water deeply in dry spells, especially in its first season. Deer, rabbits and slugs all like hostas, so watch for damage. Cut the flower stems after bloom and clear the leaves after a hard frost. Divide in spring if you want more plants.

History: 'June Fever' was found by Jan van den Top in the Netherlands as a tissue culture sport of Hosta 'June', itself a sport of the classic blue 'Halcyon'. It was registered in 2004 by Danny Van Eechaute of Belgium.

Final Thoughts: Pop it in part shade where that gold can light things up. Take two and call us in the morning. DOCTOR'S ORDERS.