What Hosta
Where?
The number of new Hosta introduced each year
is astronomical. How does one make an intelligent
decision concerning which ones to use in your garden?
There are many factors to consider. We have selected a
varied group of Hosta to offer this year - a nice combination
of new and tried and true. We will look at this group of
plants in respect to the following attributes:
Leaf Detail:
One factor
is the coloration of the leaves. Hosta are available in a wide
variation of green, blue, yellow and white. They can be a
solid color or any combination of the previously mentioned
colors. They can be planted as a single specimen, a wave
of one cultivar or a mixed planting. If the mixed planting is
to be used as a garden, color must be considered. Be careful not
to plant too many of the multi-colored Hosta in close
proximity to each other. Use either one or a group of
three of the fancier Hosta surrounded by ones of a solid
color. This emphasizes the beautiful colored foliage of
the fancier multi-colored Hosta.
Overall Size:
When we
discuss Hosta size, there are many factors to consider.
Height:
The height refers to the height of the foliage,
not the flower stalks. The Hosta are listed from shortest to
tallest.
Leaf Size:
This refers to the number of square inches in a leaf.
The classifications are Miniature, Small, Medium, Large and
Giant.
Growth Rate:
This refers to how fast a hosta can bulk up and increase in
width. The classifications are Slow, Moderate and Fast.
If you want nice landscape size plants quickly, choose one
with a fast growth rate. For a trough or in a small
garden, choose one with a slow rating.
Plant Shape:
This
refers to the shape of a mature plant. They can be
mounded or upright. Another classification is
rhizomatous, which means the plant spreads by rhizomes
(underground stems that send out roots and shoots.)
Fragrance:
Hosta
developed from Hosta plantaginea have fragrant flowers.
Sun Resistance:
Some Hosta are less likely to be scorched by the sun.
Conclusion:
If you
evaluate Hosta using the above parameters, it makes Hosta
selection a lot easier!!
