The hosta and shade perennials are looking fantastic right now.  I have mostly individual hosta varieties in groupings and in a few places, I have more than one of a variety.  Under the birch tree by our front door, we have 3 small boulders placed, and around the boulders we have 3 Minuteman hosta planted.  This variety of hosta is considered a medium sized and is a vigorous grower – meaning it reaches maturity faster than other varieties.

Next to this area, we  have more rock outcroppings and hosta

planted around the stone.  One hosta that is looking so good right now is Hosta Wheee!  A Proven Winner – this small to medium hosta is unique as its leaves are wavy which contrasts nicely with the hosta and yews that are close to it.

Several years ago, one of our suppliers sent out some new varieties of plants that they wanted us to “trial” for them.  One was Aralia  Sun King.  A unique perennial for the shade that complements the hostas and the woodland surroundings.  In the early spring, it sports beautiful bright gold  leaves on reddish brown stems.  With some sun, it holds its color for the season.  If there is more shade, the leaves will revert to a lime green mid-summer.  An added bonus is the small clumps of white  flowers that are produced which follow up with  purple/black edible berries.    Now – ready for the added bonus?  The flowers are attractive to the honey bees and this 3 foot perennial is deer resistant!  We have five of these planted within 20 feet of each other among boulders with hosta and other shade perennials now for a third season and it is proving to be very hardy and true to the description!