This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial or full shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The variegated foliage of this plantain lily emerges each spring with a generous and distinctive golden-yellow splash, which has subtle orange overtones. Over the length of the summer, the colouring becomes less intense, becoming creamy white, but then the soft lilac flowers will add another level of interest. It's a great plant that can be used to add warmth to shadier parts of the garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Water your hosta well as soon as you plant it (avoiding the foliage if possible), and then water it regularly and thoroughly - particularly during the first growing season. You'll get thicker, lusher leaves if you give your hostas a really good feed. An annual mulch in spring or autumn will help to keep the weeds down and is an easy way to improve soil and boost nutrient levels. Slugs and snails love hostas, so you will need to protect against them. Use an organic nematode treatment in early spring to ward them off - or pot them up into a gravel-topped pot.