Hosta ‘Francee’ (fortunei)

A smart hosta, with heart-shaped, olive green, puckered leaves beautifully offset by neat white margins. Spikes of trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers appear in July and August and, provided they are protected from slug and snail damage, the leaves retain their freshness until the end of September. This pretty plantain makes a statement on its own in a large container, or try it as a bright full stop in a shady area under deciduous trees.