Hosta: first signs of life

Hosta is a genus of herbaceous perennials native to northeast Asia. The genus name is generally used as the common name in English and French, although sometimes the name "plantain lily" is used (hostas are no longer considered part of the lily family). These shade tolerant plants with showy broad leaves, often variegated, are common in Toronto gardens. Here the first new shoots emerge from the remains of last years foliage. The purple colour disappears as the weather warms up.