Hosta lancifolia

Lanceleaf hosta

This has to be one of the most forgiving hosta out there! It also proves that being tough and beautiful aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. And I don't mean that in a Barbarella kind of way.

Able to tolerate anything from full sun to total shade, it's a great accent in just about any setting. I actually first met this plant when I bought my house -- there was a long row of them planted along the edge of the garage (note that I said JUST ABOUT any setting). After dividing them up and moving them throughout the yard, I was amazed by their range and kept testing their limits. I haven't killed one yet.

It forms mounded clumps of glossy green, arching foliage that pairs wonderfully with many different kinds of plants. I love it with small sedges like Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' or Carex 'Kaga Nishiki'. In deeper shade it pairs well with other hosta and Anemonella thalictroides, but it really goes well with just about anything.

Because of its hardiness and fine texture it also works well in containers. I use it in a shady corner of my deck with summer plantings of impatiens for stunning contrast.

Remember that hosta like water, though. This one will probably survive in dry areas, but if you can give it moisture it's sure to flourish.

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Courtesy Missouri Botanical PlantFinder