Hosta Selection by Miscellaneous Traits

Plant size, leaf color, type of variegation and variegation color are by far the dominant hosta characteristics used to select hostas for the home landscape. However, many gardeners soon expand their criteria for purchasing a particular hosta to include what we have called "Miscellaneous Traits". We have included links to information about many of these below.


Hosta flower colors include various shades of lavender, purple and white along with stripes and shadings. Recently, hybridizers have been trying to introduce red and yellow into the flowers but this is in its infancy stage.		Cultivars with the species, Hosta plantiginea in their genetic background usually have fragrant flowers. The intensity of the fragrance may vary from cultivar to cultivar, however.



Hostas are known primarily for their foliage. There are several non-color traits that relate to the leaves that can help to differentiate one cultivar from another. Also, these traits can help to enhance (or detract from) the value of the plant in the home landscape. Outstanding or unique leaf traits that we try to identify include leaf cupping, corrugation, ripples, waviness, shine and thickness or substance.		Most hostas have a rounded, mounding form to their clump. However, there are certain plants that have a more vase-shaped or upright form which is unique in itself. Some hostas have an "unruly" form with foliage that flops here and there on its own.



The color red and its many shades have been appearing in more hostas in recent years. This may range from a dark purplish red to lighter shades that can occur in the petioles and at times moves up into the base of the leaf. There is still a way to go before we have red leaved hostas...but who knows?		Most hostas are classified as having a moderate growth rate and will achieve a mature clump size in around 5 or 6 years. However, some plants are noted as having either a faster or slower than average growth rate.



Many, mostly miniature or small size hostas, spread by underground stems called rhizomes. This allows them to multiply quickly and encourages their use as groundcovers. Note: Sometimes hostas are mistakenly called stoloniferous. Stolons are above ground stems.		Although hostas are often considered "cast iron" plants, they do have certain pest, disease and physiological problems like any other plant. Some cultivars are more susceptible to these concerns than others.



Generally not considered an esthetic trait, the production of viable seeds may be of importance to some gardeners. Obviously, this is especially true if you would like to hybridize or collect seeds to grow more hostas.		The American Hosta Society has conducted yearly popularity polls among its membership. It is probably safe to say that plants that are highly rated repeatedly are "good" plants. The polls have been recently split into "All Hostas" and "Small Hostas" since larger size hostas seemed to dominate earlier polls.



The American Hosta Society, the American Hosta Growers Association and others periodically confer awards on various outstanding hostas. A Hosta of the Year recipient is probably a good plant to consider for the garden.		In addition to the thousands of pictures on the cultivar and species pages, we have a photo gallery to help illustrate the various traits of different types of hostas.