For shaded and woodland areas, there is no better or more versatile plant than the hosta. Native  to prairies and woodlands  of China, Japan, and Korea, hostas have been grown in America for over 150 years. Until the early seventies, except for a few varieties, they were not a common garden plant. But, especially in the last twenty years they have risen in popularity to become the top selling perennial in North America.  During this time, many varieties have come and gone. Currently, there are over 4,000 cultivars available in the trade. Many of these so closely resemble each other that they are not worth collecting.  However there are at least five hundred that are distinctly different and garden worthy and new ones are being introduced every year.  We try to add an interesting selection of new varieties to our list each year as well as maintaining the tried and true old favourites.  If you are a collector please check with us throughout the season because new hostas are added to our collection all the time.

Hostas will grow vigorously in humus rich soil with adequate moisture. They prefer a soil that is slightly acidic. Until well established they do not compete well with tree roots. Hosta beds must be well prepared and dug to at least 45cm (18") to ensure that the plants reach their maximum height and spread.

Most hostas should be planted in shade or semi-shade. As a general rule the gold and yellow varieties will produce their best colour in slightly more sun. Blue varieties produce their most intense colour when grown in dappled shade. There are more and more hostas on the market each year that will tolerate a lot of sun.  Information about these varieties can be found in the detailed descriptions of the hostas contained in the catalogue section of this website.

The only insect pests attacking hostas are slugs and snails. Trapping these pests, hand picking them at night or using a slug repellent containing aluminum sulphate are all effective deterrents. Commercial slug and snail bait can be used, but only as a last resort, because these chemicals are highly toxic to pets, birds and other animal life. Recent articles in the Hosta Journal have suggested the use of liquid household ammonia. Dilute ammonia to a 10% mixture with water and spray on the slugs. One direct hit with this spray will kill the slug instantly. Where these pests are a real problem, select hostas listed as possessing good leaf substance because they are less susceptible to damage.

A NOTE ABOUT PLANT  PRICE AND SIZE

Hostas prices range from the cheap to the ridiculously expensive ( we don’t have any of those listed in the catalogue).  Our plants are field grown and then divided from existing stock or grown from tissue culture plugs.  We do not sell a hosta until, at a minimum it has grown in the greenhouse for a full season, wintered, and then been potted on for the next season.

A NOTE ABOUT HEIGHT AND DIAMETER

The information about the height and diameter (spread)  of the plant is taken from the registration information provided by the hybridizer of the plant.  It is provided to you only as a guide.  There are so many variables that affect the height and spread of the plant.  There are the obvious things like the soil conditions and amount of water provided as well as the amount of sun the plant is exposed to.   Another factor is where in  North America the hosta is growing.  Plants grown in our garden for example, will generally be a little taller than those grown in the warmer climates of Carolina or Georgia.  Many of the hybridizers are growing their plants in these warmer areas so their registration information will reflect that.  Use these guides to help you situate the plant in your garden but don’t be surprised if your clump is not exactly the same height or spread as the dimensions given.

Hostas come in an endless array of colours and sizes. To assist you in planning, the following table is helpful:

 

Miniature

20 cm or less: Use for rockeries and troughs.

Edger

Small and medium hostas. Use for edging. Best in groupings.

Ground cover

Quick growing, often stoloniferous. Use in mass planting in groups or drifts.

Background

Large plants. Heavy feeders. Wide spread. Leave lots of space around them. Often planted in groups of three.

Specimen

Many be any size. Special hosta because of leaf colour, shape, fragrance or flower. Plant where it can be viewed and appreciated. Often, oneplant is sufficient.

 

CULTIVARS FOR 2011:

A-E    F-K    L-R    S-Z

 

SPECIAL HOSTA COLLECTIONS

 

THE TOP FIVE                                                  cat # HC 01

Try a collection of five of the very best hostas on the market. One each of Sum and Substance, Great Expectations, ‘Sagae’, Gold Standard and ‘June’.

            A catalogue value of          $63.00  for $50.00

 

TOP EIGHT COLLECTION                              cat # HC 02

Why not just start with the best? One each of the top five listed above plus ‘Krossa Regal’, montana ‘Aureomarginata’ and ‘Paul’s Glory’.  

            A catalogue value of          $103.00    for   $83.00

THE BLUES COLLECTION                             cat # H C 03

One each of ‘Halcyon’, ‘Blue Wedgwood’, Blue Baron ’ and ‘Hadspen Blue’ .  

A catalogue value of $ 46.00 for $35.00

 

THE BIG ONES                                                  cat # HC 04

One each of ‘Empress Wu’, ‘Sum and Substance’  ,‘Blue Angel’  and ‘Regal Splendor'. 

            A catalogue value of $56.00 for $ 45.00

 

HOSTA SAMPLER                                             cat # HC 05

Want to get a hosta collection started and don’t know what to order? Twelve different hostas in a range of sizes and colours.  Our choice but with a minimum value of $130.00

            A catalogue value of $130.00  for $ 100.00

 

    Interested in Hostas ?           
    Why not join The American or Ontario Hosta Society?

    For membership information contact:

  Ontario Hosta Society Membership:  $15 per year

  Membership Secretary

  2301 Fifth Street Louth

  St Catherines Ont

  L2R 6P7

  American Hosta Society

  AHS Membership Secretary Sandie Markland

  P.O. Box 7539

  Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

  27948

 

   Hosta Popularity Poll

         Every year the Ontario Society asks its members to pick their     favourite hostas. From year to year many of the same plants turn up again and again. Any one of the hostas listed below will be a good choice whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener.

 1.         ‘Sagae’

 2.         ‘Sum and Substance’

 3.         ‘Great Expectations’

 4.         ‘Patriot’

 5.         Pauls Glory’ 

 6.         ‘Gold Standard’

 7.         Montana ‘Aureomarginata’ 

 8.         ‘Krossa Regal’

 9.         ‘Fragrant Bouquet’

 10.       ‘Frances Williams’

 11.       ‘Halycon’

 12.       ‘Love Pat’

 13.       ‘Regal Splendor’

 14.       sieboldiana ‘Elegans’

 15.       ‘Sun Power’