Hosta ‘June’

* Common name: Hosta ‘June’

* Botanical name: Hosta ‘June’

* What it is: A shade perennial plant grown mainly for its large, two-toned leaves of blue and creamy-gold. Gets bell-shaped pale-lavender flowers in August. A No. 1 choice of many hosta aficionados and also one of the most slug-resistant hostas.

* Size: 18 inches tall, 3 feet wide.

* Where to use: Northern or eastern house foundations, under trees or massed in any shade situation. Part to full shade is best but does fairly well even in full sun.

* Care: Keep damp the first season, then water and fertilizer usually not needed. Good drought-resistance once established. Snip off flower stems after bloom. Cut or rake off flattened, browned-out leaves at end of winter. Division not necessary but can be done in spring before new growth begins.

* Great partner: Japanese forestgrass or liriope (perennials) or pink or white wax begonias (annual).

— George Weigel