I have been asked by the British Hosta & Hemerocallis Society to write a piece on my favourite Hostas that I would like as my ‘Desert Island Hostas’, for their Spring magazine. I thought I would give my blog audience a sneak preview.
Imagine for just one moment. You are suddenly trapped on a desert island. You can compile a list of music that you would love to have with you, or maybe a list of books.
A lot of people over the years have expressed their wishes over the radio and television, as to what these 'Desert Island' lists could be.
How about a short list of Hosta’s that are at the top of your list, assuming that growing conditions, are good.
There are so many varieties of Hosta on the market to choose from that it’s a bit like asking which one of 5 children is your favourite. Almost impossible.
I do, however, have a list of 5 Hosta varieties that every collection should have and would be my Desert Island Hosta’s.
In no particular order, (I don’t want to show favouritism, after all, they are like my children), here are my choices, and why.
Hosta June
You can’t go wrong with Hosta June. This is one of those Hosta’s that is almost bulletproof. It is consistently strong and long living. Grows well enough to provide splits for all your friends quite regularly.
It shrugs its shoulders at slugs and snails and laughs in the face of sunshine. It will grow pretty-much anywhere you put it.
It is supreme when planted, changing leaf colour depending on the level of shade. Fabulous in a container, always giving a good show. It a proven winner having been around for a few years.
This is one you should always have.
Hosta Liberty
This is a great looking Hosta with fabulous green and yellow variegation, where the green extends through the middle of the leaf, jetting into the yellow margins.
It is a strong Hosta that will be happy in full sun and can cope well with the slugs & snails. A good solid thick leaf that almost repels the wee beasties.
Its colouration will stand out wherever you put it, standing proud and true. Whether in a container or a display in the ground.
Last well into Autumn before losing its grandeur.
Hosta Blue Mouse Ears
There are many Mouse varieties on the market with so many different attributes. However, Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is probably the toughest of the lot and grows very quickly.
It’s steely blue rounded leaves growing low to the ground, in themselves are extremely robust. Like a lot of Mouses, the leaves are quite thick making them virtually impervious to slugs & snails and can cope with the sunshine.
It is a very rapid grower, giving a mature plant in about 2-3 years. Easy to make more plants from.
The beautiful lavender to blue flowers makes this a stunning Hosta in July each year. What a fabulous sight. This is one Hosta where I always welcome flowering season.
Hosta Teacher’s Pride
Another fabulous looking Hosta. This has always been a firm favourite of mine.
It has fabulous triple colours of blue/green margins, white to cream middle and pale green jetting into the borders. A thick tough, spear-shaped leaves with a distinct point on them. Don’t worry about the slugs.
A good strong grower, but hard to find in nurseries and growers. It makes a lovely display plant in a container, or equally near the front of a border.
This is one where you will not be disappointed. It always pleases me to see this one every morning.
Hosta Georgia Sweetheart.
Wow! How could I do without this one. The colours are fabulous. The shape of the Hosta is wonderful. Large leaves of wide green borders with a distinct yellow centre brightening up the plant.
Thinner leaves than all the others but still pretty slug proof. Enjoys the early morning and afternoon sun that will just go to enhance the yellow centre colour.
A little slower to produce a mature plant but boy, is it worth the wait. It’s also true. I can’t be without this one either.
This is always difficult to find on the market but is always worth the effort when you locate a good supplier.
There are many, many others that came close, but I thought just the 5 was enough for you to swallow.
Everyone has different tastes, it would be great to know yours, let me know your top 5 desert Island Hosta’s?
For further details about the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society can be found on thier website.https://hostahem.org.uk/
To learn more about Hostas, you may be interested in reading : How to care for your Hostas Over Winter, What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Hostas?, Ways to Protect Your Hostas from Slugs and Snails and "Uncovering the Advantages of Bare Root Hostas
Shop for Hostas HERE
John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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