Choosing Voluntary Simplicity » Hosta

Can You Help Me Identify This Hosta?

Shirley — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:02:40 +0000

I received this hosta as a gift several years ago, and for some reason I have never been able to remember its name... which never mattered very much because I could always look it up on the nursery tag stuck into the soil.

Then one day last summer I went to check the name (again) and discovered that the tag was missing.

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Do Hostas Seed Themselves?

Shirley — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:33:05 +0000

Reader question... "I have what I think is a hosta seedling growing in my garden, but it is not near my other two hostas. I have not planted any seeds. Is there any way that one of my hostas seeded itself? Can you tell me how I could positively identify whatever this is? I have never actually seen a hosta seedling, but this does look like a baby hosta (I think). My other question is, is this seedling worth saving?" --Laurie P.

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What Does Bee Balm Look Like in the Spring?

Shirley — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:55:48 +0000

Reader question... "It is spring in New England and I am cleaning my gardens getting ready for everything to 'pop' up. I planted Bee Balm last year and loved it next to my tall Phlox. Everything is coming up nicely but I can't tell if the Bee Balm is coming back up... it seems to have a more vine plant like spreading around it... directly around the old stems (and the only place in the garden this 'weed' is growing if it is indeed a weed). I don't want to 'weed' it up if it is actually the Bee Balm. By any chance can you tell what it looks like in the spring as it is returning? Thanks!" --Sandy H.

My Surprise Streaked Hosta Seedlings

Shirley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:39:25 +0000

Here is some pictorial proof that you don't always have to have seeds from streaked hostas to end up with streaky seedlings. These little streaked beauties grew from seeds I had collected from a number of hostas... but none of those hostas were visibly streaked. I have also had many seedlings with variegated edges and some center variegation... again from seeds from solid color hostas.

How I Divide A Hosta

Shirley — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:14:24 +0000

Reader question... "I have a hosta that has gotten very big and is developing an empty area in the center. My neighbor told me it needs dividing, but I don't know how to do it. Can you share how you divide your hostas? I am new to growing hostas and don't want to kill it with my inexperience." --Sheila T.

Hosta ‘June’ And Its Seedling

Shirley — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:51:57 +0000

My June hosta has produced only one seed so far that had what looked like a viable bump. I planted it in January 2006. The seed germinated quickly and the little seedling thrived, but...