what did you say your favorite hosta was?
WE TALKED HOSTAS MONTHS AGO, in the dead of winter, when they were just twinkles in a gardener’s eye, or images pulled from color catalogs and memory. Now they’re not just up and all filled out, but blooming, too, which got me wondering again: If it were only one hosta per customer, what would yours be? I think I’m sticking with ‘June’ (above), like I said last time, and if I could have a second it would still be ‘Sagae,’ and then I need one small- or medium-sized gold one, and…sorry, I said just one, didn’t I? But seriously: Can you pick just one? Looking around, even in such a slug-filled year, I realize more than ever how I rely on the genus Hosta.
Deb says
I’d have to say that my all time favorite is Sum and Substance. The bright lime color and the sheer magnitude of the beast just lights up my shady back yard. I’ve ordered three June’s (I just adore this web site) so I can see why you love them. I also like the way you attach the web sites where I can purchase the plants you recommend. I have been a faithful follower of White Flower Farm (the catalog alone, was half my Garden Love inspiration) but really needed some other sources for the things they don’t carry . Thanks Margaret, I am having so much FUN!!!
Emilie says
“June” and “Summersweet” (?) and “Blue Cadet” and “Golden Tiara” in the shade and “Thunderbolt” and “Tokudama” and . . . .
Rosella should try “Guacamole.”
Margaret says
Wow, so many answers, and so many new hostas to meet. Thanks to all.
Welcome, Deb. Definitely use the Sources list on the lower right-hand column of every page here for the bigger list, and enjoy. ‘Sum and Substance’ is a wonderful plant; I can almost see the giant one here if I just shift my chair a bit, in the distance. See you soon, we hope, and thanks for your kind words.
Barbara says
Hostas, ummm what would be mine favorite, I don’t think I could narrow it down to even 10 favorites I love them all.June is definitely up there, in the top 100 favorites. Blessingham Blue is another long time favorite
wave says
I have been collecting for 20 years. I think one is my favorite until I look around and see another and that is my favorite. I love hostas, they are my hobby, now my favorite is LIBERTY. However I do love thunderbolt also, I love looking at pics of hostas.
Margaret says
Welcome, Wave. I think it’s some kind of addiction, I swear…they do all look good, don’t they? Hope you see you soon again.
Eric says
I love the chartreuse/blue coloration of ‘Frances Williams’ but here in Philadelphia the leaves often get scorched in direct sunlight, however briefly. Since then, I’ve learned there’s a new hybrid called ‘Olive Bailey Langdon’ that was bred with thicker leaves to prevent this burn-out.
Valerie Gillman says
My favorite is still ‘Solar Flare”. I’ve dragged it with me each time I move.
Margaret says
Welcome, Valerie. Ah, the plants we cannot bear to leave behind. :) I know the feeling! Nice to see you.
Denise says
I too used to rather loathe hostas, really disliked the sort of insipid little white and green ones that seem ubiquitous….another pet peeve is people’s misuse of them in overly sunny spots….goodness, with all the readily available choices for sun, why torment a hosta that way!!?? I love my June hosta and I’m rather curious about the person posting above about a “little” Guacamole: Mine was ENORMOUS from its first year planted (in a pot no less)
Margaret says
Welcome, Denise. ‘June’ is a real beauty, I agree. I could definitely do some $$$ damage in the hosta aisle of the garden center, so probably best to stay away. :) See you soon again, I hope.
bfish says
I love hostas too; they’re a must have for our shady backyard gardens. Because so many other trees, shrubs and perennials have relatively small leaves, I’m partial to large hostas for the textural contrast. Sagae is a beaut/brute and last year was tied with Abiqua Drinking Gourd for my favorite but now it’s clear that the latter is #1 with me. ADG is huge in diameter and height and it’s like having a substantial blue shrub in the bed in it’s in. It’s set off nicely by smaller hostas with the dark green and lime combination (Gold Standard, Whirlwind). You know, when you see a plant every day in your garden and it still takes your breath away, that it’s a winner.