Funkia, hardy and ornamental

Funkia is a perennial plant that bears cute discrete flowers from spring all the way to the end of summer, but its foliage is what makes it noteworthy.

Funkia facts, a short summary

Name – Funkia
Family – Liliaceae (lily family)
Type – perennial

Height – 8 to 32 inches (20 to 80 cm)
Exposure – part sun and shade

Soil: rather rich  –  Flowering: May to September  –  Foliage: deciduous

Both in pots or in the ground, it is easy to care for and will quickly appeal to you for its numerous qualities. Funkia is another, older, name given to Hosta.

Planting Funkia

The first thing you should know is that funkias have a repugnance to having too much sun or heat.

• For container-purchased funkias, plant preferably in spring.
• Keep a distance of about 16 to 20 inches (30 to 40 cm) between plants.
• Eventually upgrade your soil with conditioner such as manure and seaweed and blend them in with soil mix.
• Propagate through crown division in spring or in fall every 3 to 5 years.

Caring for and pruning Funkia

Funkia requires little care.

• No pruning is formally required.
• Care is minimal, it is a plant that is very easy to grow.

Since it prefers shade, best check on whether you’re watering enough when you’re in part sun. Droopy leaves are a sign that you need to water more.

Watering Funkia

Funkia, being a shade or part shade plant, fancies cool soil but scorns excess moisture.

• Avoid abundant watering to keep the soil from getting too wet.
  Go for regular but moderate watering.
• For pots, shorter intervals between watering sessions are needed in summer to keep the soil a bit moist.

If slugs invade the funkia

Slugs frequently overrun funkia because they are attracted to the leaves and shady environments.

• The quickest and most adequate treatment is to spread slug-killing granules derived from Ferramol. It is the most effective organic method.

Learn more about Funkia

Forming very beautiful oval and multi-colored leaves, funkia also puts forth cute white flowers that can sometimes be violet-blue.

Fast-growing, it even has a tendency to spread, which makes it a splendid ornamental ground cover.
It will also merge perfectly in landscaping projects in flower beds or garden boxes.

Among the most renowned varieties one can find:

Blue Angel, France Williams, Honeybells, Wide Brim, Golden Tiara, Fire and Ice, Francee, Undulata and Golden Sunburst.

Read also about perennials:

• Propagate your perennials through crown division