Episode 22: Hot Hostas

This genus is a stalwart of nearly every garden, so there is little surprise left with it . . . or is there?

Many gardener roll out their center when they get a line the wordhosta , and with good grounds . This ubiquitous group of plants shows up more often than not in gardens — heck , we‘ve even seen them growing in Arizona ! But there are reasons why they ’re so well - known and loved : They ’re promiscuous to farm , easy to care for , and have a texture that ’s undeniable . Aside from their proclivity to be cervid food , the only other knock on hostas is that there are SO MANY varieties , many of which look the same . In this episode , we shed light on some of the best variety for size of it , color , and texture . Hopefully you ’ll regain one or two you have n’t heard of and will be delirious to add to your collection .

Expert : Daniel Robarts , horticulturist , disseminator , and works breeder at the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens in Boothbay .

Peter is right—‘Guacamole ’ hosta(Hosta‘Guacamole ’ , Zones 3–8 ) would be perfectly paired with the variety ‘ Tortilla Chip ’ , but in this photo you could see how impressive it is all on its own . Its monumental two - tone light-green leaves are clear with pleasurably flavor white flowers in summer , too .

There are n’t many hostas that can outmatch the girth of‘Sum and Substance’(H.‘Sum and Substance ’ , Zones 3–8 ) . And unlike many other big - deboned motley , this one bulk up quickly .

Although it reminds Steve and Danielle of a Hellenic 80s toss off song,‘Eternal Flame’(H.‘Eternal Flame , Zones 3–8 ) was our expert ’s favorite hosta because of its toughness and power to flourish in variable conditions .

One flavor at the ruckle , prosperous edges of‘Curly Fries’(H.‘Curly Fries ’ , Zones 3–8 ) and you may get a sudden craving for some McDonald ’s . It ’s the texture and color of this kind that set it apart .

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