Everything Looks Good Next to a Blue Hosta
I had a chance over the weekend to travel to Toronto in Canada for the annual Garden Bloggers Fling. This three-day event involves lots and lots of touring of great gardens. When you look at a lot of nice gardens in a short period of time you start to notice things, and here is one of my takeaway observations from some of Toronto’s prettiest gardens. Everything looks good next to a blue hosta.
Whether a purple Rodgersia, a bright pink azalea, an orangish begonia or a lime-colored spirea, pretty much every plant I saw on the tour looked better next to a blue hosta. Something about the deep, mellow tones of a bluish hosta, such as Blue Angel, gave the other colors a compatible background and a friendly foil.
Check out some of these pairings:
How lovely! That’s how I felt and wished we could grow hostas in Texas.
Mary, you were clearly observing the plants and plant combinations closely. Blue-toned hostas do act as good foils for many other colours at all seasons, and provide a cool and calming effect when combined with brighter blooms. I enjoyed our chats on the bus.
Thanks, Pat!
Although I do love blue hostas (and have a few myself), I hadn’t noticed that. You ARE very observant!
Interesting observation, Mary. I agree: The blue hostas with the giant foliage are definitely statement plants, and they set off other plants with a flare. I’m finding it fascinating that we all observed different details from The Fling–some things in common, but many unique little details. Nice post!
Mary,
So very true – I’ve even used them in floral arrangements when I’m light on blossoms – as Paul Zammit says, “It’s all about the foliage” Blue hosta make a lovely dependable foil.
Barbarapc
Come to the St. Anthony Park Garden Tour on July 11, 2015 from 10 to 4 and you will see so many blue hostas in our shady gardens. Tickets are available at our web site and are only $12 in advance and $15 day of the tour. Master Gardeners will be in each of the 9 private gardens and you will have a special opportunity to talk with University horticulturists in the Display Gardens on the St. Paul U. of Minnesota campus. Its a great way to spend a Saturday.
Thanks for the reminder, Karen. This is one of many great garden tours in July!