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 to fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Smooth, lance-shaped, glaucous leaves to 20cm long are topped with spikes of handsome, lavender-grey, bell-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer. It's one of plantswoman Beth Chatto's favourites, and it will make a flourish at the front of a shady border, sheltered from cold, drying winds. The foliage is also invaluable for softening the edges of hard landscaping.
  
  
• Garden care: Water your hosta well as soon as you plant it (avoiding the foliage if in leaf), 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.