I was asked to provide a list of recommended hosta for the newsletter of my local horticultural society. I thought maybe you'd like to see what I came up with. I welcome your contributions below and thoughts about what else should or should not be on the list.
These hostas are based on those which I have grown successfully though there are many other hostas that do very well, particularly if you have a lot of space (I do not). My list of favourites could easily go on much longer and it might be different on another day. I have not included any which seem to be particularly bothered by pests.
I’ve started with the “Hostas of the Year” as nominated by the American Hosta Growers Association. In general these are all wonderful plants which grow well. I have a few others not listed here that just didn't make it to my top 14 list. Some of them are too large for my garden. Check out the entire list if you have space.
1999 'Paul's Glory' - Thick, chartreuse leaves, irregularly margined with dark blue-green with some streaks. Leaves are heart-shaped and corrugated. Gets lighter during the summer, but how much depends on zone and where it is situated. Medium-large.
2001 'June' - every garden needs at least 2 ‘June’ hostas - one to be planted in a shadier spot. The leaves are a rich, powdery gold, with a very irregular blue-green margin. The centre will turn to creamy-white in bright light. In more shade, it will be more blue. Very heavy substance leaf. Medium sized. Two pics taken the same day. The second plant is a division from the first.
2010 'First Frost' - reverse pattern of Hosta 'June'. Attractive blue leaves with a 1/2" border of creamy yellow that ages to white by season's end. Medium-sized.
2011 'Praying Hands' - this is a very unusual plant. There’s nothing else quite like it. Each small upright clump is composed of strangely folded, lance-shaped, dark green crinkled leaves, each with a narrow cream border. Lavender flowers in August. Situate this one where it can be seen.
