A Loyal Companion of Beryl Hues and Unshakeable Resolve
In the world of shade gardening, some plants are fair-weather acquaintances, but Hosta 'Best Friend' is the type of companion that sticks by you through a biting Saskatchewan wind or a humid Ontario afternoon. This 2020 registration, born from the distinguished union of Hosta 'Astral Bliss' and Hosta 'Purple Verticulated Elf', was brought to life by the collective efforts of D. Dean, P. Weidman, and D. Poos. It forms a low-slung, reliable mound that prioritizes substance over flash, making it an essential anchor for the front of your border. If you’ve been searching for a plant that doesn’t just survive the Canadian season but thrives with a "stiff upper lip" and a cool blue attitude, you’ve found your match.
Why It Stands Out
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Exceptional Substance: The ovate leaves are remarkably thick and durable, sporting a matte, dull finish on both sides that laughs in the face of common garden pests.
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Enduring Cool Tones: While other varieties might fade to a tired green by July, Hosta 'Best Friend' maintains its intense blue-green sapphire richness well into the dog days of summer.
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Subtle Ripples: Each leaf is framed by slightly wavy margins, adding a touch of texture and personality to its otherwise stoic, 8-veined architectural form.
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Translucent Blooms: In mid-summer, the plant is topped with 30 cm green scapes bearing bell-shaped, pale lavender flowers that feature unique, almost see-through margins.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size |
21.6 cm (8.5") High / 55.9 cm (22") Wide |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Intense blue-green |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to Full Shade |
Grower's Tip
Because we believe a true friendship shouldn’t start with a surprise, we never ship until we’ve performed our True to Type verification. In the cool air of Bécancour, we watch for those first ovate leaves to emerge, ensuring the wax levels and intense blue-green pigmentation are exactly what the hybridizers intended. This verification process means that when your new garden companion arrives in Whitehorse or Charlottetown, it’s already proven it has the "right stuff" to be your garden’s new bestie.
