Hi Joann,
Since the last update to the galleries (last August), I've had another plant test positive (or maybe I did make a quick update about it). Anyway, 'Ani Machi' tested positive this year. I bought it in 2006 and now think it was infected when I bought it, as many were then. It took this many years for me to get suspicious, and even then I was surprised when I got a positive result. I dug it out, destroyed it and planted an astilbe in the spot. Since I hadn't had anything at all that I was suspicious of since 2007, I'm now worried what I might have infected from it even though I'm generally pretty careful.
My other experiences with HVX were in 2006 and 2007. My first one was the 'Gypsy Rose' and I didn't plant anything there immediately but there ARE hostas there now. Perhaps I should use a test strip on them though they show no signs of infection. One plant just got sickly and I sent part of it back to the supplier who tested it and told me it was positive. It had been mostly in pots or my veggie garden. The only other plant was 'Mountain Snow' and again, when I got rid of it, I plant an astilbe there.
I would suggest that you order maybe 10 test strips next spring - April is a good time as it is still pretty cool for the shipping. And plant another perennial in the spot where the hosta was. And of course, clean your tools. I use Clorox wipes.
good luck.
Ann
PS Thanks for the compliment on the SmugMug galleries.
