hosta.sum.substanceH.jpg
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is one of the biggest, brightest hostas you'll find.
(George Weigel)
Q: What are your recommendations for tall (big) hostas that are not blue and for tall ferns that are not typical, such as ostrich fern. I'm planning a new shade garden along the house where it's shaded by old trees on the property. The main focal point is the red brick fireplace wall, so something gold would be nice. Any suggestions? I am not a fan of the usual!
A: So far as big hostas that are lime or gold or variegated shades of green and gold, a few that I like are 'Sum and Substance' (about as big as you'll find), 'Guacamole,' 'Sunpower' and 'Zounds.' We've got a local nursery that specializes in hostas called The Hosta Hideaway near York Springs that carries more than 400 hosta varieties.
For ferns, I like northern maidenhair fern, which isn't exactly tall (maybe 2 feet at best) but has a dense but dainty look to it.
Japanese painted ferns are colorful (mostly silvery purple into burgundy purple shades), which makes them a little different. But most are in the wrong color scheme if you're going with gold. Maybe 'Ursula's Red' is one that'll work. Painted ferns grow only a foot or so tall, too, though.
Christmas fern is a good evergreen choice that's durable but also stays under 2 feet.
Golden variegated Japanese forest grass pairs nicely with hosta.
One other plant I'd highly recommend is the golden variegated Japanese forest grass, which is a shade-tolerant arching grass with golden variegated blades. It looks great with hosta. There's also a gold-bladed version called 'All Gold' that's nice.
And check out barrenwort (Epimedium), especially the yellow blooming 'Sulphureum' or 'Frohnleiten.'