Hosta 'June'

Each of these rather slender, heart-shaped leaves boasts a large golden center bordered by two distinct shades of green. The outermost color is sea-green with streaks of blue, while the middle is a shade of sage that complements both the golden-chartreuse of the center and the darker blue edge. Very handsome!

'June' reaches just 9 to 12 inches high when not in bloom, but spreads up to 2½ feet wide. In mid to late summer, it is topped by mauve flowers on slim 20-inch stems. Most Hosta flowers are best snipped away to avoid detracting from the gorgeous foliage, but while 'June's' should probably also be snipped, it's because they're so fragrant, they belong in the vase! Use them as filler for bouquets, particularly of scent-less blooms that need a little garden aroma!

'June' was named the 2001 Hosta of the Year, and the respected Missouri Botanical Garden has awarded it the Plant of Merit distinction. It's easy to see why; with their substantial texture, these leaves remain unbitten through summer, while neighboring Hosta cultivars are ravaged by nibbling slugs and snails. The leaves arise very profusely, forming a good cover for any shady spot. They do need a bit of dappled sunlight for best color, but can tolerate more shade than many others. Try 'June' as a foregroud planting to another outstanding beauty, 'Northern Exposure,' or to the unusual, attention-getting Thalictrum 'Black Stockings.'

A Tardiana type, 'June' is very long-lived and vigorous, withstanding rough weather and other environmental stresses easily. Rely on it for mass coverage or for specimen and container use. Zones 3-8.