The genus Hosta contains over 70 herbaceous perennial species. It originated in East-Central China and the species plantaginea is still found there in the wild. Now found across temperate climates of the Northern hemisphere, Hosta has been extensively cultivated and many garden specimens are available as a result. Their dense clumps of bold foliage comprise often variegated, oval to heart-shaped leaves that can be any shade from light to dark green - sometimes yellow or blue-grey. Typically funnel or bell-shaped flowers - of purple or white - are borne on upright stems, above the leaves, in early summer. Often grown as ground cover in shady places or in containers, some smaller species are suitable for rock gardens. Hostas are particularly prone to slugs and snails.