The color encyclopedia of hostas
Diana Grenfell & Michael Shadrack ; foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Portland, Or. : Timber Press, 2004.
The Prince of Wales introduces this treatment of these popular perennials by members of the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society. After tracing their natural history, cultivation, niche in garden design, and nemeses, the authors describe some 750 species organized by color (green/blue/variegated) with color illustrations showing their diversity. The volume includes color hardiness zone maps and international hosta resources. Annotation #169;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Rosemary Barrett ; photography, Derek Hughes.
Toronto : Firefly Books, 2004.
Dubbing hostas "a perfect perennial," a nursery owner and hybridizer of "Biddy's Blue" overviews their introduction to the West, growth requirements, and niche in diverse landscapes. She lists challenging as well as common cultivars and resources. The photographer captures their hues of green, blue, yellow, and white. Annotation #169;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The gardener's guide to growing hostas
Portland, Or. : Timber Press, 2001.
Our popular ongoing Gardener's Guide series offers first-rate authors, an approach that is neither superficial nor overly technical, and excellent photographs. Copyright #169; Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Want an easy plant to grow in your garden? Then the hosta plant is for you! They are a very tolerant plant. They can grow in a wide range of soil types and hostas are frost-hardy.
green, gold, blue, white
elongated - sword-shaped
rounded - heart-shaped
bubbled - seersuckered
The art of growing hostas is dependent upon how you understand their needs. To encourage these luscious plants, hostas need fertile soil that is moist, but well drained. They also require protection against direct sunlight and shelter from strong winds.
Growing a border of hostas along the edge of your driveway is a great way to show off their colorful leaves. Once established in your garden, they will spread and "take over" quite nicely.
Avid hosta admirers will know that there are approximately 3,500 names and synonyms for the hosta plant found around the world. If you hear about Giboshi Zoku plants, do not be surprised to learn that someone referring to the genus Hosta in Japanese.
Lovely variegated leaves of hosta plants can adorn your garden floral display. Do enjoy the beautiful colors of this plant!
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff