Hosta standouts

I grow hostas for their foliage, not their flowers. (In fact, I snip off the flowers on all but my fragrant varieties.) That means that the plants need to be workhorses -- to look good all season long, not just for the short bloom period that some of my perennials get by with.

Some hostas live up to my expectations. Many don't: They're too quickly chewed by slugs or earwigs or suffer brown edges and spots from too much sun or too little water.

Those that are looking good right now -- in August of a tropics-like summer -- warrant a blue ribbon in my book. (Actually, after I got to researching them, I discovered that all three of my favorites really are award winners!)

My current accolades go to 'Regal Splendor,' 'Guacamole' and 'June.'



Regal Splendor is a variegated version of its parent, 'Krossa Regal.' A truly majestic hosta, this upright grower falls into the 'giant' category and can grow up to three feet tall and six feet wide. On the blue side. It was named 'Hosta of the Year' for 2003.

The American Hosta Grower's Association named 'Guacamole' its Hosta of the Year for 2002. The honor was well earned. I love the shiny chartreuse leaves that are edged in blue. It's growing directly beneath a large maple and still hasn't suffered from slugs or browning leaves. Another plus is its intensely fragrant flowers.

I just planted 'Guacamole' last fall, so I'm not sure how large it will get in my garden, but references say 18 to 20 inches high and 26 to 28 inches wide.

I've recommended the hosta 'June' before, but I just can't say enough good things about this plant! The 2001 Hosta of the Year, June's bright yellow leaves have wide, irregular blue margins and their thick texture make them extremely resistant to slugs and other pests. A sport of 'Halcyon,' June is petite, growing about a foot tall and two feet wide. Everyone should have this hosta.