Hosta ‘Fragrant Blue’

True to the plant’s name, the heart-shaped leaves of Hosta ‘Fragrant Blue’ are joined by sweet-smelling, mauve flowers in July and August. Best grown in moist, shady borders, this hardy perennial continues to produce its blue-green foliage throughout the season, covering soil densely and with ease. Alternatively, the plantain lily can be grown less prolifically in containers, or even around the edge of a pond. Height: 50cm (1’8″); Spread: 1m (3’3″).

Culinary information: The best part to use is the hoston, the rolled up leaf as it emerges in the spring. Cooking depends on the size of the hostons, small ones can be fried for a few minutes, going well in stir fries. Thicker ones are better boiled and used as a vegetable. For more details about edible flowers click here.