Why are we drawn to Unusual Hostas ? ........That are often difficult to grow.
- John Plant
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Visitors to Rewela Hostas nursery often tend towards the more striking varieties. The ones that look a bit different to the run-of-the-mill variety of Hosta.
This may be colour of the leaf, the contrast in the different colours on the leaf, and often, the intensity of a particular colour such as white.
The balance between the white of the leaf and the green or blue makes a big difference in how difficult it is to grow or keep growing.
The problem is the lack of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is required by all plants to create food. There is a lack or absence of Chlorophyll in the white part of the leaf. It is only in the green or blue colouring. The more of the white colour there is, as opposed to any other colour, the less food is produced, therefore not as easy to grow.
All the sugar, converted by chlorophyll, needs to the veins in the middle of the leaf, down to the crown where it is stored in the root system. A white centre to the leaf will inhibit the movement of sugars.
We often get asked for Hosta White Feather, which is a perfect candidate for ‘difficult to grow’ Hosta. It emerges in the spring pure white. No green at all, therefore no chlorophyll, no food. It eventually turns green and starts producing sugars but only after a month or so with no food. This can’t be good for the plant and in many cases the Hosta dies before it can recover. Some people are very lucky, and the plant survives. These are the lucky ones. Chances are they won’t. We can see the appeal of this unusual Hosta, however given its failure rate, it is one we have decided not to sell in the nursery.
Hosta Zebra Stripes is another with limited chlorophyll production early in the season. This is a striped Hosta, White and green that comes up in the spring as nearly white.
White-centred Hostas ( Medio-Variegated ) are very striking, and all offer the contrast we are looking for.
There are many variegated Hostas with a smaller or larger white proportion in the leaf, and this is directly proportionate to how easy it is to grow, or how slow it grows. Those with less white are easier to keep going. However, it is the white in contrast to the rest of the leaf colour that makes them more attractive.
A Hosta with a more consistent section of chlorophyll making leaf would be better but clearly, you lose the attraction and contrast of having white in the leaf.
There are a few Hostas that take a bit of effort but reward you well, that do have a large are of white in the leaf.
One worth a mention is Hosta Fire & Ice. A wonderful green leaf with plenty of white in the middle. Don’t expect this to be a pushover when growing, it needs TLC and can often scorch in the sun.
Another variegated Hosta, is Hosta Hans. Still a large white section but the green margin jets into the middle. This is generally, a bit easier to grow than Hosta Fire & Ice.
Consider, rather than a white centre, try one with a yellow or cream centre to the leaf.
How about Hosta American Sweetheart? This has a dark green margin with a narrow creamy/yellow middle. Slightly more chlorophyll making colour than white. Not a white centred Hosta, but still a stand-out Hostas by any stretch of the imagination.
You also have those speckly green Hostas such as Host Mean Gene and Shocking Mandy. They start off a misty green leaf that goes wholly green as the season progresses. This makes for more sugars being made and transported around the plant. Never-the-less slightly more difficult in the early part of the season.
A couple of other things to mention about white centred Hostas. They do demand more of you. They require a little more light. Don’t put them in the shade. They also require more water than any of the others.
Don’t think that growing white centred Hosta isn’t worth it. They so are. Yes, they may have their challenges but are totally fabulous. Just a little bit more effort is all that is needed.
Go for that Hosta that blows you mind but be aware of any extra work it may take to get it exactly how you want it.
Talking about the unusual, there seems to be an epidemic of AI generated photos of Hostas and Hosta seeds for sale, particularly on Amazon. Please don't waste your money.
Warning: Be aware of "AI-generated" or fake photos online that show impossible, neon-coloured Hostas; always purchase from reputable nurseries to ensure you are getting the real, unique plant.
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John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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