Second year. No attention paid during winter, left in place the entire time and assumed dead. In Zone 10b? This isn't supposed to happen, is it?

I never gardened in your zone. Hosta are suppose to rest cold for ................."University studies show that hostas need at least 30 days of temperatures about 42 degrees or lower AND the longer the cold dormancy the better."

Even if it is not cold Hostas start to go to sleep normally for its rest period in the fall regardless if it is not cold. It is not a tropical plant so its leaves yellow and die off the roots are waiting to send up new leaves after the rest period.

I can't imagine we had enough days at 42* or less - in fact, I know we didn't. The surprise hosta is growing way better and bigger than it did last year. May plan is to change nothing and see what happens next year.

Carol that is normal. Hostas get bigger each year after their sleep. Although it did not get cold enough long enough it follows it normal growing process of growing sleeping and re-emerge the following Spring.

What I have read is people in your climate Hostas eventually start to get smaller and die because they do not get the proper chill period but they can keep them growing for a few years. Some love them so much they even chill them in small refrigerators indoors from Sept-Dec.

It is like what we do with tropicals that will not survive the winter outdoors. We bring them inside to keep them warm through the winter. You would have to bring your plant inside for the winter but put it in a cool/cold area.

Cinta, I was thinking about getting the little mouse hostas, and one of those bar fridges for them during the winter. I'm going to have to wait until I find that Round-To-It, but its still on the "Really Good Ideas" board. I was surprised that the Dream Queen showed up at all. We didn't hardly have enough cold temps this year for ANY hosta according to all the reading I've done.

No I have seen a lot of people in your zone keep them going without the cool for a couple of years. A fridge and buying a couple is a good idea. They are an amazing plant and worth the effort.

Since you are in a warm climate and the ones that bloom late are fragrant and are suggested for warmer climates.
Look at these
Guacamole Hosta
Fragrant Bouquet'
Stained Glass

Thanks, Cinta. I will look at those.