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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 DIAMETERThe 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: |
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Miniature |
20 cm or less: Use for rockeries and troughs. |
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Edger |
Small and medium hostas. Use for edging. Best in groupings. |
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Ground cover |
Quick growing, often stoloniferous. Use in mass planting in groups or drifts. |
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Background |
Large plants. Heavy feeders. Wide spread. Leave lots of space around them. Often planted in groups of three. |
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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. |
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CULTIVARS FOR 2011: |
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SPECIAL HOSTA COLLECTIONS |
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THE TOP FIVE cat # HC 01 |
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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’. |
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A catalogue value of $63.00 for $50.00 |
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TOP EIGHT COLLECTION cat # HC 02 |
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Why not just start with the best? One each of the top five listed above plus ‘Krossa Regal’, montana ‘Aureomarginata’ and ‘Paul’s Glory’. |
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A catalogue value of $103.00 for $83.00 |
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THE BLUES COLLECTION cat # H C 03 |
One
each of ‘Halcyon’, ‘Blue Wedgwood’, Blue Baron ’ and ‘Hadspen Blue’ .
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A catalogue value of $ 46.00 for $35.00 |
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THE BIG ONES cat # HC 04 |
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One
each of ‘Empress Wu’, ‘Sum and Substance’ ,‘Blue Angel’
and ‘Regal Splendor'.
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A catalogue value of $56.00
for $ 45.00
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HOSTA SAMPLER cat # HC 05 |
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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 |
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A catalogue value of
$130.00 for $ 100.00 |
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