SPOTLIGHT ON... hostas

If you’re pondering what to grow in your patio tubs this summer, but aren’t keen on all the upkeep and replanting of a conventional bedding-plant scheme, try hostas.

As they are hardy perennials, they can stay outside in the same pots for several years without any winter protection, and when it comes to watering, simply leave them standing in large saucers of water all summer.

Hostas come in a huge range of varieties. There are ones with waxy blue-green leaves, ranging from the giant Hosta sieboldiana Elegans and Big Daddy with 11in leaves, to dwarfs such as Blue Moon.

Variegated hostas are real stars. Choose green and gold kinds such as glamorous Gold Standard or Frances Williams, or go silver and green with frosted Jade or Francee.

Curly Hosta Undulata and its named varieties add a contrast in shapes and textures, while the pale gold or lime-green leaves of varieties such as Piedmont Gold and Zounds, pictured, add subtle colour shades.

Container growing is the best way to keep hostas safe from their arch enemies – snails. Spread a band of sticky pest-proof glue or wrap copper bands round the pot’s side and snails will proceed no further.

Start gathering a collection over the next few weeks. Hostas are a tad late coming into leaf compared with other perennials so it’s worth waiting until the foliage unfurls so you can see what you are getting.

Then repot a single plant or a group into suitable containers without breaking up the root ball. Being slow growing they won’t need to be divided or repotted for several years.