Russ O'Harra Hosta Society
The "featured hosta" section aims to illustrate the wide variety of hosta sizes, shapes, colors, etc. Individual plants are mostly chosen at the whim of the webmaster. :)
January 5, 2025 featured hosta:
Winter Snow by J. Anderson (r2003)
Just had our first real snow of the winter (i.e., had to get out the snowblower!), and that reminds one of another beautful hosta, H. 'Winter Snow'.​
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This large hosta has shiny, chartreuse (yellow-green) leaves with a white margin. Its broadly ovate leaves are moderately cupped and corrugated. It has pale lavender flowers in mid-summer. As a sport of H. 'Sum and Substance', it can take up some space. H 35" W 69"
See
Jan 12, 2025 featured hosta:
Fire and Ice by Hans Hansen / Shady Oaks Nursery (r1999)
Southern California is now on fire in wintertime, a heretofore very rare occurrence, while many states in the southeastern USA are buried in snow and ice this week, all reflecting the increasingly variable and extreme weather conditions associated with climate change. H. 'Fire and Ice' in your garden can remind you of this variability, while adding some distinctive flair to your plantings.​
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H. 'Fire and Ice' has slightly curled leaves with heavy substance. The broadly oval, upright leaves have pure white centers with dark green margins and form a compact clump. There are lavender flowers in midsummer. It is a reverse sport of 'Patriot'. H 16" W 24"
See
January 19, 2025 featured hosta:
Sugar Cookie by R. Solberg (NR)
48 F here on Friday, -4 F 30 hours later! Winter temperatures will be around all week, so it's time to stay warm in the kitchen baking your favorite bread and cookies (oatmeal-raisin, chocolate chip, molasses, or whatever--they'll all be good!). That all may remind you to order H. 'Sugar Cookie' for your garden, if you don't have it already.
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H. 'Sugar Cookie' has thick green leaves with a thin cream margin. The upright, wavy leaves have striking purple petioles. It is a sport of 'Sugar Plum'. H 20" W 28"
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January 26, 2025 featured hosta:
Denali by R. Goodwin (r2005)
Mt. Denali in Alaska is the world's tallest mountain on land when measured from base to peak (18,000 ft; 5500 m). The native Koyukon Athabascan people have referred to the peak as Denali (='high' or 'tall') for centuries. Despite this history and the preferences of Alaskans and their Congressional delegation, a presidential executive order on Jan. 20 changed the name to Mt. McKinley. In any case, H. 'Denali' in your garden can remind you of the mountain's splendor.
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H. 'Denali' has slightly shiny, broadly ovate, dark green leaves with yellow to creamy white margins. It has near white flowers on 3' scapes in mid-summer. Parentage unknown. H 20" W 40"
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February 2, 2025 featured hosta:
Allegan Fog by K. Herrema / R. Ruh (r2000)
Visibility was about 100 feet this morning, due to thick fog. Near-record daily high temperatures above 50F for the last week have melted the little remaining snow and ice and created a high dewpoint. The soft images we see through the fog can be remembered all year with H. 'Allegan Fog' in your garden--its leaves will gently remind you of these conditions.
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H. 'Allegan Fog' has slightly rippled leaves with soft, misted, greenish-white centers dotted with green flecks. Leaf margins are dark green. It has lavender flowers in mid-summer. A hybrid of 'Fortunei Aurea', it was named after Allegan County, Michigan. H 13" W 19"
​See
February 9, 2025 featured hosta:
Hearts Galore by D. & M. Beilstein (r2017)
Thinking about getting your sweetie that heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine's Day, but worried about effects on your waistline? (yes, we all know whose fingers get into the box...) How about giving a mound of green hearts instead? H. 'Hearts Galore' will convey the thought but not the calories!
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H. 'Hearts Galore' has cute, heart-shaped, medium-green leaves. Golden-yellow margins start at the leaf base and become narrower toward the leaf tip. It has medium purple flowers in early summer. The tight clump is excellent for small spaces. H 10" W 18"
See
February 16, 2025 featured hosta:
Canadian Foreign Affairs by K. Knechtel/P. Ruh (r2002)
What, Canada doesn't want to be annexed into the USA? Canada has traditionally been a strong ally and friend of the USA, but recent actions by the USA have caused some unease in the relationship. H. 'Canadian Foreign Affairs' in your garden may remind you to consider the world from Canada's perspective.
H. 'Canadian Foreign Affairs' is a giant hosta with semi-upright, light green foliage. It has pale lavender flowers in mid-summer. The flower scapes can reach nearly 8 feet, making it possibly the tallest hosta, or at least the hosta with the tallest scapes. H 39" W 80"
See
February 23, 2025 featured hosta:
Quesadilla by M. Zilis (r2010)
Recent actions by the USA have disrupted relations with Mexico, but we can still enjoy the Mexican cultural traditions and food that have become part of the USA. You can make your own quesadillas following a multitude of recipes, or you can just find them at a local restaurant! And, even when you aren't hungry, H. 'Quesadilla' in your garden can remind you of these tasty treats all summer.
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H. 'Quesadilla' has broadly ovate, moderately wavy, slightly corrugated leaves that are slightly shiny on top. Leaves are bright green with yellow to creamy white streaks and mottled areas. H 22" W 45"
See
March 2, 2025 featured hosta:
Blue Tooth by D. & M. Beilstein (r2011)
Time for a visit with the dentist this week, who undoubtedly will remind one to floss more often. H. 'Blue Tooth' in your garden will provide a lovely counterbalance to the other image of blue tooth you may have in your mind after such a trip!
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This beautiful, medium size hosta forms a dense mound of lanceolate, powder blue leaves. Its color is softened by a glaucous bloom on the top and bottom of its leaves. Tubular, medium lavender flowers appear in late summer. It is a cross of H. 'June' x 'Azure Snow'. H 18" W 36"
See
March 9, 2025 featured hosta:
Brutus by D. & M. Beilstein (r2007)
The Ides of March is this week, perhaps made famous by Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar" that was based on the 15 March 44 BCE assassination of Caesar by Brutus, Cassius, and other members of the Roman Senate. Their action was presumably an effort to save the Roman Republic, although true motives are hard to establish two millennia later! In any case, H. 'Brutus' in your garden can remind you to consider the profound effects of Rome on the development of Western civilization.
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H. 'Brutus' has large, flat, dark green leaves with ripples and moderate corrugation. Medium purple, tubular flowers are produced in midsummer. It is a cross of 'Sea Drift' and H. venusta. H 36" W 65"
See
March 16, 2025 featured hosta:
Risky Business by H. Hansen & T. Avent (r2002)
risky --"full of the possibility of danger, failure, or loss"
Recent events in the USA have created turmoil for all types of business both here and abroad, a risky situation for all. You may also remember the 1983 movie "Risky Business", which is considered to be Tom Cruise's breakout role (wow, was that really 42 years ago?--time flies...). What is not risky is having H. 'Risky Business' in your garden, since it is an outstanding, distinctive plant.
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H. 'Risky Business' has dark green leaves with a contrasting narrow, bright white center. Light green streaks occur where the center and margin meet. Medium lavender flowers are produced in midsummer. It is a sport of 'Striptease'. H 17" W 36"​​
See
March 23, 2025 featured hosta:
Florence Nightingale by R. Goodenough (NR)
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) was an English social reformer, a statistician, a writer, and the founder of modern nursing. Her name is largely synonymous with the concept of giving aid to those in need. Having H. 'Florence Nightingale' in your garden may remind you of that compassionate approach.
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This hosta has grey-green leaves with ruffled margins on upright, red petioles. It is one of the larger hostas with red petioles. Lavender flowers appear in midsummer.
H 24" W 55"​​
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March 30, 2025 featured hosta:
Grand Slam by R. Benedict & H. Gowen (r1990)
Baseball season is upon us, and "hope springs eternal" for many fans. Down three runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning? H. 'Grand Slam' in your garden will remind you that many things are possible, even if not probable!
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H. 'Grand Slam' has shiny, leathery, dark green leaves with wavy, pie crust edges. It has purple-tinted petioles. Violet flowers appear in late summer.
H 10" W26"​​
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/detail.php?id=2103
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April 6, 2025 featured hosta:
Bluebird of Happiness by R. Solberg (r2020)
Political, economic, social, and religious conflicts in the USA (and around the world) are creating a stressful time for many people. Escape to your garden! The arrival of bluebirds in your springtime garden may lift your spirits a bit, and H. 'Bluebird of Happiness' in your garden can remind you of that hopefulness all season long.
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H. 'Bluebird of Happiness' is a tetraploid that has very blue, thick leaves with a layer of wax that can give a whitish cast in the right light. The leaves are twisted and folded like a Bird of Paradise plant. Pale lavender flowers appear in summer. H 12" W24"​​
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/detail.php?id=49752
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April 13, 2025 featured hosta:
Pineapple Upsidedown Cake by M. Zilis (r1999)
Turbulent times, these are, but also a time to relax at the ROHS spring meeting and potluck, with a variety of delectable desserts (in addition to all the other great food)! Even if you don't bring this treat to the potluck, you can have H. 'Pineapple Upsidedown Cake' in your garden and feast your eyes on its striking foliage all summer long.
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This hosta undergoes a striking change in appearance over the season. Its long, lance-shaped leaves emerge blue-green, but the leaf centers turn gold and then white over time, with more heat and light. Leaves are ruffled, with heavy substance. This sport of H. 'Pineapple Poll' has lavender flowers in late summer.
H 20" W 66"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/detail.php?id=4028
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Leaves in late August
April 20, 2025 featured hosta:
Phoenix Feathers
by D. Wols, reg by AHS/G.H. Alley (r2022)
H. 'Phoenix Feathers' was the 2022 AHS national convention gift plant, aptly named because a previously planned convention was canceled due to COVID-19 and the 2022 convention was a rebirth of sorts. Hostas are just now emerging aboveground in the garden, springtime is here, and a new growth season is upon us, and 'Phoenix Feathers' is a nice symbol for many related ideas.
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H. 'Phoenix Feathers' has pointed, twisted leaves with ruffled edges, borne on red-hot petioles. Its leaves emerge a waxy chartreuse color, but then quickly turn to a bright yellow that actually intensifies over the growing season. Pale lavender flowers appear in late summer. It is a cross of H. 'Harry van de Laar' and 'Sun Power'. H 14" W 28"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/detail.php?id=50365
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April 27, 2025 featured hosta:
Miss Saigon
by H. Hansen & Shady Oaks Nursery (r1999)
Fifty years ago (!), the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War, which had stimulated many deep feelings in the USA over the preceding decade. Interestingly, a photograph from the fall of Saigon led to creation of a stirring tale of a tragic love story--in 1989, the popular musical "Miss Saigon" began an 11-year run in London. In 1991, it opened on Broadway in New York, en route to becoming the 14th-longest running show on Broadway, as of 2024. H. 'Miss Saigon' in your garden can be a reminder, for better or worse, of those times....
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H. 'Miss Saigon' has medium dark green leaves with creamy white margins. Fragrant, large, white flowers are produced in mid-summer. It is a sport of 'Fragrant Bouquet'. H 17" W 39"
See
Just emerging in late April:
In late September:
May 4, 2025 featured hosta:
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Brother Stefan by Olga Petryszyn (r1998)
The papal conclave is beginning in Rome this week, and clearly our nominee should be the spectacular H. 'Brother Stefan'! Outstanding in the crowd, 'Brother Stefan' was the AHG Hosta of the Year for 2017.
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H. 'Brother Stefan' has intricately variegated leaves with yellow centers and slightly rippled medium green margins. White flowers appear in mid-summer. It is a cross of 'King Tut' and a 'Mildred Seaver' seedling. Olga named it in honor of her brother Stefan (my apologies for co-opting the name here for a different story...). H 22" W 35"
See
In late September--a bit faded...
May 11, 2025 featured hosta:
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Halcyon by E. Smith and BHHS (r1988)
It's Mother's Day today (May 11), so be sure to acknowledge yours! We can also give a nod to H. 'Halcyon', which is reputed to be the hosta with the most documented offspring cultivars! It is the classic medium-sized blue hosta.​
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H. 'Halcyon' has thick, flat, heart-shaped, frosty blue-green leaves. It has slug-resistant leaves; pale blue-violet flowers appear in midsummer. 'Halcyon' and others of the "Tardiana" group resulted from crosses of 'Elegans' and 'Tardiflora' by Erik Smith in England in the 1960s. H 18" W 43"
See
May 18, 2025 featured hosta:
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Midnight Oil by B. & D. Stegeman (r2004)
"Burning the midnight oil" refers to pre-electric light times when working late into the night required using an oil lamp. It has come to mean putting in long hours on a pressing task. With several big garden tours coming up, we are doing just that in our home garden, getting ready for visitors. Of course, we would never actually burn H. "Midnight Oil", which is a striking plant in the garden.
H. 'Midnight Oil' has very shiny, dark green leaves that are cupped and corrugated. The upright leaves create a vase-like structure. It is a cross of "Potomac Pride' and "Neat Splash Rim'. Pale purple flowers appear in early summer. H 15" W 26"
See
May 25, 2025 featured hosta:
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Sultans of Swing by H. Philips (NR)
Babe Ruth, the "Sultan of Swat", hit his 714th (last) home run on May 25, 1935. Alas, there is no hosta with that name, but H. 'Sultans of Swing' is close. And, it can lead you to an entirely different classic, the 1978 song "Sultans of Swing" by the British band Dire Straits, which features some all-time great guitar and drum work.
H. 'Sultans of Swing' has leaves that emerge blue-green with yellow margins and turn gray-green with creamy white margins that streak into the center by midsummer. The leaf margins are heavily ruffled and end in a sharp, twisted point. It is a cross of 'Exotic Dancer' and kikutii var caput-avis. Lavender flowers are produced in late summer. H 16" W 30"
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There are various versions of Dire Straits playing "Sultans of Swing", with the Alchemy Live version a favorite of many:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pa9x9fZBtY&list=RD8Pa9x9fZBtY&start_radio=1&rv=h0ffIJ7ZO4U
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June 1, 2025 featured hosta:
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June by Neo Plants Ltd (r 1991)
June--the sixth month of the Gregorian calendar, the start of meteorological summer, the month named after the Roman goddess Juno, yada yada yada...all good to know, but hosta lovers simply recognize it as the name of an outstanding plant that everyone simply must have in the garden!
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Hosta of the Year 2001
Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
H. 'June' has gold leaves with blue-green margins. Leaves are smooth and heart-shaped. Bell-shaped lavender flowers appear in midsummer. It is a sport of 'Halcyon'. H 15" W 28"
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June 8, 2025 featured hosta:
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June Fever by J. van den Top, reg. by D. Van Eechaute (r2004)
Last week, H. 'June' set a striking tone for the month of June, and we can continue the theme with 'June Fever', which is a sport of 'June'. 'June Fever' has a brighter center and narrower green margins than 'June'. Overall, there is a greater contrast of colors and pattern in 'June Fever'.
H. 'June Fever' can exhibit a color change over the season, with its gold center becoming more chartreuse. Leaves are slightly shiny. Pale lavender flowers are produced in midsummer.
H 15" W 30"
June 15, 2025 featured hosta:
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Playin' Peoria by R. Mortko, reg. by B. Ankney and Central Illinois Hosta Society (r2018)
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"Will it play in Peoria?" is an idiom referring to touring vaudeville acts of the early 20th century, which frequently performed in Peoria, IL. Acts well-received in Peoria were considered likely to succeed elsewhere, as Peoria was seen as representative of the mainstream American audience. Nowadays, the phrase generally means something's chance of success with the general public. H. 'Playin' Peoria' was the MRHS convention plant in 2018, and the convention played well in Peoria, since AHS and MRHS are returning there later this week for their joint 2025 convention!
H. 'Playin' Peoria' has broadly ovate, slightly blue-green leaves that are tapered at the base. It is a sport of 'Lakeside Cupcake' with a very thin lighter edge. Near white flowers are produced in midsummer. H 5" W 12"
See
June 22, 2025 featured hosta:
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Prairieland Memories by M. Zilis (r2003)
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In addition to seeing gardens, visiting with friends, hearing speakers, etc., attendees at the AHS national convention receive a convention plant. For the 2025 AHS/MRHS convention in Peoria, that plant is H. 'Prairieland Memories', which (for some more "mature" folks) may bring back memories of the 1998 AHS convention, the last time Peoria hosted the national convention. Interestingly, 'Prairieland Memories' was also the convention plant that year.
H. 'Prairieland Memories' has medium gold leaves that are lightly wavy, somewhat shiny on top, and very shiny underneath. Pure white flowers appear in mid-to late summer. It is a sport of 'Royal Standard'. H 18" W 42"
See
June 29, 2025 featured hosta:
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Bam Bam Blue by E. Schulz (r2009)
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Lots of "b-" words in the news this last week, often alliteratively used (B-1, bomb, B-2 bomber, bunker-busting, and so on), mostly with destructive connotations. In contrast, you can get a more pleasant image of alliteration with "b" sounds with H. "Bam Bam Blue", whose cool foliage invites you to chill out and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the hosta world.
H. 'Bam Bam Blue' has broadly ovate, deep blue-green leaves that are lightly cupped with slightly rippled margins and moderate to deep corrugation. It originated as a seedling of unknown origin. White flowers are produced in early summer. H 29" W 39"
See
July 6, 2025 featured hosta:
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Fragrant Dream by M. Franzen (NR)
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It's the middle of lily season here, and on a still day the collective fragrance of our several hundred lilies leads people walking by on our road to stop, smell, and look. Unfortunately, only relatively few hostas have fragrant flowers, since H. plantaginea is apparently the only species in the wild with fragrance. However, hybridizers have incorporated that H. plantaginea trait into some dozens of hybrids. These typically have large, white flowers produced later in the summer. So, with careful selection of hostas such as H. 'Fragrant Dream', you can add some fragrance to your hosta beds! Pay special attention to hosta fragrance over the next two months and consider enhancing that feature of your garden.
H. 'Fragrant Dream' has dark green leaves with a creamy yellow border that changes to white later in summer. Large, near-white, very fragrant flowers are produced in late summer. It is a sport of 'Fragrant Bouquet'. H 26" W 48"
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July 13, 2025 featured hosta:
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Sea Bunny by M. Seaver (r1986)
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We were fortunate to watch sea otters playing at sunset in the Saanich Inlet on Vancouver Island, B.C., late Sunday evening, all while marveling how plants in the gardens of the Pacific Northwest mostly seem 50% bigger than ours. Even so, it's comforting to be back in our garden 20 hours later, knowing that Iowans can also grow plants pretty well! H. 'Sea Bunny' in our garden will continue to remind us of sea otters hopping around, and while other gardeners may not have the same image in mind, it is a stunning plant that will definitely draw attention for any garden.
H. 'Sea Bunny' is a medium-sized hosta with chartreuse-yellow, rounded, rugose leaves that are very glossy and have excellent substance. Near-white flowers are produced later in summer. Parentage is unknown. H 12" W 30"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/4988
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July 20, 2025 featured hosta:
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Blueberry Waffles by S. Brown (r2008)
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Early morning Iowa Games competition this weekend eliminated our traditional weekend breakfast of waffles. So, we'll just have to feast our eyes on H. 'Blueberry Waffles' and imagine our tummies are full. 'Blueberry Waffles' has intensely blue-green leaves that are broadly ovate, with a cordate base. The leaves are intensely corrugated (waffled?). It is a cross of 'Spilt Milk' and "Abiqua Drinking Gourd'. Near white to pale lavender flowers are produced in midsummer. H 30" W 68"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/705
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July 27, 2025 featured hosta:
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Monsoon by D. & J. Ward (r2005)
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July is not over, yet we have already set a new home record of over 10" of rain for the month, reminiscent of monsoon season in the tropics. Five inches in about three hours didn't really soak in, however. Multiple storms leading to trees down and severe erosion (and flash floods elsewhere) remind us that the increasingly extreme events associated with climate change have substantial costs associated with them. Can we remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? On the somewhat brighter side, H. 'Monsoon' in the garden has appreciated the extra moisture!
H. 'Monsoon' has leaves that emerge chartreuse and brighten to a lovely gold center, with a somewhat greener, slightly rippled margin. It is a sport of 'Great Lakes Gold'. Medium lavender flowers are produced in early to mid summer. H 22" W 50"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/3865
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August 3, 2025 featured hosta:
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Peach Brandy by B. Solberg (r2022)
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After three decades and multiple winter-killed trees, we are enjoying our first abundant peach crop, with enough to make and enjoy peach jam, peach pie, peach cobbler, and, of course, peaches on ice cream! Some products are beyond our skill level, however, so we just have to grow H. 'Peach Brandy' in the garden, and you will likely want to as well, to enjoy its striking coloration.
H. 'Peach Brandy' has yellow leaves that become light green later in the season. The leaves are broadly ovate, slightly corrugated, slightly wavy, and slightly shiny. The purple petiole color extends into the base of the leaf. Reddish purple flowers are produced in midsummer. It has a complicated parentage involving at least seven cultivars (see the hosta registrar listing). H 14" W 22"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/4801
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August 10, 2025 featured hosta:
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Borwick Beauty by G. & B. McBurnie and BHHS (r1988)
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The Iowa State Fair had its first hosta leaf show in memory (ever?) Sunday and reinforced the idea that oldies can still be goodies, with H. 'Borwick Beauty' taking the Queen of Show award! So, be sure to make room for it in your garden!
Leaves have chartreuse-green centers and wide blue-green margins. Color in the leaf center intensifies to brighter yellow and cream over the season. It produces white, funnel-shaped flowers; it is a sieboldiana 'Elegans' sport. H 30" W 48"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/761
(Note: H. 'Borwick Beauty' and a plant known as 'Color Glory' have an entangled history, so be careful with anything named 'Color Glory'--some research is in order...)
August 17, 2025 featured hosta:
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Bumblebee by D. Savory (r2000)
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Very warm and very humid here, after record-setting rain, but even so, the late-summer flowers are attracting a variety of insects such as bumblebees. Unfortunately, North American bumblebee populations apparently have declined as much as 90% in the last two decades, due to pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, disease, and possibly other factors. Other pollinator populations are also declining, affecting ecosystems and agricultural productivity. H. 'Bumblebee' in your garden can add a nice splash of color while also reminding everyone of the importance of pollinators.
H. 'Bumblebee' has slightly wavy, gold leaves that are heart-shaped, somewhat shiny, and moderately corrugated. White flowers are produced in mid-summer. It is a seedling of 'Honey'. H 19 W 52
See
August 24, 2025 featured hosta:
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Luna Moth by W.J. Meyer (ONI) and
AHS/G.H. Alley (R) (r2020)
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A rare luna moth visited our garden recently, reminding us that butterfly and moth populations have generally seen severe declines in recent years (along with the bumblebees mentioned last week). H. 'Luna Moth' in your garden can again remind you of biodiversity decline while also providing an uplifting view of a beautiful plant.
H. 'Luna Moth' has heart-shaped leaves with dark green centers and bright green edges that become more yellow over time. Lavender flowers are produced on nicely proportional scapes in early summer. It is a sport of 'Parky's Prize', but its leaves have thicker substance and wider margins. H 13 W 36
See
August 31, 2025 featured hosta:
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H. plantaginea
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It's the end of summer, with not many flowers remaining, so H. plantaginea will really stand out in your garden, due to its enormous (by hosta standards) flowers produced in late August (hence the old name "August lily"). H. plantaginea is also different in that it produces fragrant flowers, which are rare in the hosta world. Leaves are shiny, medium green, and deeply veined, forming a dome about 2 ft tall and 4-5 ft wide. Unlike most other hostas, leaves are produced throughout the summer.
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H. plantaginea is one of the few hosta species from China and has the southernmost distribution. Its late summer flowering has made it difficult to hybridize with other hostas, although there are some cultivars derived from it, including some showy, double-flowered cultivars.
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Nomenclature is a bit confusing, with H. plantaginea var. grandiflora being synonymous with H. plantaginea var. japonica and H. 'Grandiflora' often being used in the nursery trade, although that may not be a real distinction from the species. For more information, see M. Zilis's Hostapedia and the informative article by T. Avent:
September 7, 2025 featured hosta:
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Lakeside Dragonfly ​​ by M. Chastain (r1997)
We just spent a few days beside a beautiful (and swimmable!) Wisconsin lake watching dragonflies and damselflies. That of course brought to mind one of Mary Chastain's Lakeside series, the aptly named H. 'Lakeside Dragonfly', with its fluttering leaves reminiscent of dragonfly wings. It's a nice addition to any garden, providing a pleasing combination of size, shape, and color.
H. 'Lakeside Dragonfly' has leaves that are medium blue-green, with wide, white, flat margins. The leaves are slightly shiny on top and dull underneath, with a tapered base. Parentage is unknown. H 15" W 30"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/3193
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September 14, 2025 featured hosta:
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Baby Booties ​​ by D. and M. Beilstein (r2012)
Young friends in the neighborhood just became the proud parents of a baby girl, so we may need to give them H. 'Baby Booties', something that won't be outgrown in 6 months! And, this cute miniature hosta only needs very occasional feeding!
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H. 'Baby Booties' has medium green leaves with wide, creamy white, flat margins. The leaves are dull on top and slightly shiny underneath. Leaves are broadly ovate and have a chordate base. Lavender flowers are produced in summer. H 7" W 12"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/376
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September 21, 2025 featured hosta:
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Sunny Day ​​ by R. Solberg (NR)
Fog this morning is giving way to a sunny fall day, after a week of rain clouds that totally missed our garden. H. 'Sunny Day' can brighten our day, even as the local drought continues and the end of the growing season is near.
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H. 'Sunny Day' has vibrant yellow leaves with purple petioles that extend up into the leaf blade. Bob Solberg crossed a 'Tom Terrific' seedling with the parent plant to produce 'Sunny Day'. H 14" W 24"
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Remember Paul Simon's tune "Was a Sunny Day"? In our present depressing times, it can remind us not to lose hope:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz9o3tf9lmk
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Leaves are greener at the end of the season, in the shade (Sept. 20).
On Sunday, support your local "Sun Day" activities. "Sun Day is a day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating solar and wind power... Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power on the planet – and gives us a chance to actually do something about the climate crisis." (Grist.org)
September 28, 2025 featured hosta:
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Pie a la Mode ​​ by M. Zilis (r2010)
A decent crop of apples this fall, even with some young trees killed by last winter's weather, so it's time for sliced apples, apple crisp, applesauce, and apple pie. Apple pie of course needs at least one big scoop of ice cream on it. The only question is, how many pies can we eat this fall? The rest of the year, we'll simply be happy with H. 'Pie a la Mode' in our garden.
H. 'Pie a la Mode' has leaves that are medium green with wide, creamy white, flat margins. The leaves are dull on top, with a glaucous bloom underneath, and are broadly ovate, with a cordate base. Pale lavender flowers appear in mid-summer. It is a sport of 'Color a la Mode'. H 20" W 45" See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/4335
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October 5, 2025 featured hosta:
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Essence of Summer ​​ J. van den Top and M. Fransen (ONI), D. van Eechaute (R) (r 2004)
It's the first week of October and temperatures are near 90 F! The drought continues and high temperatures remind us of the late summer conditions that prevailed a couple of months ago. That's one image that H. 'Essence of Summer' may provide, although you may also have more pleasant summertime associations in mind....
H. "Essence of Summer' has medium-green leaves that are rounded, corrugated, and extremely thick, with very heavy substance. Large, fragrant white flowers appear in mid to late summer. It is thought to be a tetraploid sport of 'Warwick Essence'. H 24 W 48
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/1663
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October 12, 2025 featured hosta:
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Hercules ​​ by James Goffery and Alex Summers (NR)
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Building another retaining wall on our hill (to provide space for more hostas, of course!), but the concrete blocks seem heavier than they were last year! And, the legendary Greek strongman Hercules hasn't shown up to help carry them. So, we'll just have to gain inspiration from the H. 'Hercules' that is planted nearby, to complete the task...
H. "Hercules' has broadly ovate, slightly wavy, and slightly corrugated blue-geen leaves with thick substance. It is a 'Sagae' hybrid. Near white flowers appear in midsummer. M. Zilis notes that 'Hercules' and the similar 'Herkules' (by Heinz Klose of Germany) have been mixed in the trade and may often not be distinguished. H 35 W 70
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October 19, 2025 featured hosta:
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Cyclops ​​ by R. Soucek (r2005)
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Joining last week's Hercules in Greek mythology, the term "Cyclops" variously described sets of one-eyed brothers of great strength, although different authors gave them different names and attributes. Even so, in the hosta world, H. 'Hercules' and 'Cyclops' are plants that are both among the largest blue hostas.
H. 'Cyclops' has very large, upright, corrugated blue-green leaves that can be up to 20" x 21" in size, making it probably the largest blue out there--if you can find it, because it is very rare. Near white flowers appear in midsummer. Parentage unknown. Clump size not specified, but it can be big!
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/1324
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October 26, 2025 featured hosta:
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Frost Giant by W. Lefever (O) and Bob Solberg (NIR) (r2008)
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Near-freezing temperatures, no wind, and clear skies produced some radiation frosts in open areas this past week, as the ground emitted more radiation than was received from the sky. Hostas under the trees were not affected, but we were reminded to get a last look or two at H. 'Frost Giant' before the end of the season.
H. 'Frost Giant' has medium blue-green leaves with slightly rippled, yellow margins that become creamy white later in the season. The broadly ovate, lightly corrugated leaves have a chordate base and glaucous bloom on top and bottom. Near white flowers are produced in early summer. H 28" W 66"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/1959
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Radiation frost: All objects above absolute zero (0 Kelvin) temperature emit radiation, although the radiation emitted by objects near the earth's temperature is at longer wavelengths not visible to the human eye. Radiation frosts occur when the ground emits more radiation than it receives from the clear sky, the ground and air temperatures are just above 32 F (the freezing point of water), and there is very little transfer of heat from the air to the ground via convection, due to no wind. Under these conditions, the ground can cool to 32 F or below and frost can occur on the ground. Under a tree canopy, however, greater radiation emission by trees (compared to the sky) increases the ground (and leaf) temperature, so no frost occurs under them and the hosta leaves survive another few days!
November 2, 2025 featured hosta(s):
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Your hosta garden in autumn!
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It's November, and cooler and shorter days have led to loss of chlorophyll and changes in hosta colors. But, with still no killing frost in central Iowa, the structural tissues of hostas are largely intact and are holding up the varied yellow and gold leaves to create some very nice displays of fall color, an often under-appreciated aspect of the hosta garden.
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While hostas don't create the red colors of the autumnal eastern deciduous forest, their yellows and golds can add a very pleasing couple of weeks to the end of the growing season!
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November 9, 2025 featured hosta:
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Secret Treasure​ J. van den Top (O, 2010) NR
Most hostas have turned yellow by now, but there are one or two that holding onto green well into the autumn. H. 'Secret Treasure' is indeed just that, standing out among its neighbors by staying green until November this year--its longevity a secret for most of the year! Its red/purple petioles are another, mostly hidden, treasure.
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H. "Secret Treasure' has glossy green leaves with good substance and slightly wavy leaf edges with narrow creamy margins. It has red/purple petioles and scapes. Lavender flowers are produced late in the growing season. It is a sport of 'One Man's Treasure'. H 11" W 30"
This hosta is not registered with AHS, but the name is established per a United States Plant Patent (PP22789 2012).
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H. 'Secret Treasure' on November 3 in central Iowa (compare with yellow/gold hostas from last week).
Red/purple petioles are largely hidden under the leaves:
November 16, 2025 featured hosta:
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Cat in the Hat​ by Jane Ward (N), Kathie Sisson (R) (r2025)
We just saw/heard Southeast Polk High School's excellent student production of "Seussical--The Musical", which featured a variety of Seuss characters, including of course the Cat in the Hat. The amazing performances by the students give hope for the future! Undoubtedly, the musical henceforth will be the memory that comes to mind when viewing H. 'Cat in the Hat' in the garden!
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H. "Cat in the Hat' has green/chartreuse leaves with flat, 1-3" wide, deep blue/green margins. The leaves are broadly ovate with a chordate base and are moderately corrugated. Pale lavender flowers with near white edges and lavender striping are produced early in the growing season. It is a sport of 'Fat Cat'. H 30" W 50"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/7305
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November 23, 2025 featured hosta:
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Liberty by J. Machen, Jr. (r2000)
"American Revolution" by Ken Burns et al. can now be viewed on PBS. The series explores the complexities of the relationships in the 1700s between the American colonies and Great Britain and the people involved, in much greater depth than most of us ever were taught. It ultimately reminds us of the principle of liberty, which of course leads us to H. 'Liberty', the "2012 Hosta of the Year", which is a "must-have" plant for your garden.
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H. 'Liberty' has medium blue-green leaves with flat, 2.5", golden yellow margins that become creamy white later in the season. The leaves have heavy substance, a glaucous bloom on top and bottom, and a rounded base. Pale lavender flowers are produced in midsummer. It is a sport of 'Sagae'. H 26" W 40"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/3374
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November 30, 2025 featured hosta:
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American Yeti by V. Wade (r2007)
The massive snowstorm in Iowa the last two days meant lots of snow removal in the dark. Reports of the Abominable Snowman wandering around in the swirling snow are probably unfounded, but there did indeed seem to be something moving in our west garden...! Maybe just the phantom spirit of our H. 'American Yeti' planted there...or not...???​
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H. 'American Yeti' is a giant hosta with blue-green leaves that have slightly rippled margins and glaucous bloom. Veins are intensely impressed on the top of the leaf and intensely elevated on the bottom of the leaf. Tubular, near-white flowers are produced in midsummer. It is a seedling of 'American King of the Woods' (selfed). H 44" W 65"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/247
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December 7, 2025 featured hosta:
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Pull of the Moon by M. Zilis / R. Solberg (r2022)
The December supermoon a couple of days ago and a snow-covered landscape resulted in relatively bright conditions at midnight, such that one could distinguish fine details throughout the garden. The supermoon also reminds one of the physical effect of the moon's gravity on earth's ocean tides as well as the figurative pull of the moon on our dreams and emotions--all of course reminding us of H. 'Pull of the Moon'.
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H. 'Pull of the Moon' has yellow leaf centers that become more pronounced over the season, adding another splash of color to the garden. The wide blue margins have much wax. Medium lavender flowers appear in late summer. It is a sport of 'Tidewater'.
H 18" W 36"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/6623
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December 14, 2025 featured hosta:
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Dick Ward by Handy Hatfield (r1991)
As we continue the holiday season, we can look back a bit and recognize some of our predecessors in the hosta world. One of these was Dr. Dick Ward, of Ohio, who made many contributions to AHS and was a hybridizer who won the Eunice Fisher Award in 2010. H. 'Dick Ward' was named in his honor and is considered by many to be the best gold-centered 'Sieboldiana'-type hosta.
H. 'Dick Ward' has broadly ovate, heavily corrugated , wavy, slightly cupped leaves. The gold leaves have a contrasting dark green margin. Pale lavender flowers are produced in early summer. It is a slow-growing sport of 'Zounds'. H 16" W 30"
See
https://www.hostaregistrar.org/search_item/1442
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December 21, 2025 featured hosta:
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Giantland Winter Solstice by Jeff Miller (NR)
The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, with days now becoming longer. Historically, cultures around the world have celebrated this "return of the sun". Neolithic Europeans, Celts, Romans, the Chinese, the Hopi, and other groups around the world had or still have celebrations that are the basis of many of our modern holiday festivities around this time of year. H. 'Giantland Winter Solstice' was so named because its very dark color reminded the viewer of the longest night of the year--clearly a fitting name!
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H. 'Giantland Winter Solstice' is a giant hosta with frosty, grayish, dark blue-green leaves. It is a very recent addition to the market, and it has the potential of becoming a huge plant.​
December 28, 2025 featured hosta:
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Li'l Smooch by Dan Wols (NR)
Even as the end of the holiday season nears, there is still time to steal a kiss or two from your sweetie standing under the mistletoe...you did remember to put up the mistletoe, didn't you??? If not, you'll have to make up for it by planting H. 'Li'l Smooch', which may remind you to hang up some mistletoe next year!
H. 'Li'l Smooch' has twisted, wavy, chartreuse-yellow leaves and red petioles. Lavender flowers are produced on short red scapes in late summer.
H 6" W 10"
