Northern Grown
Perennials
Presents
Our Northern Hybridized and Northern
Grown
Hosta Introductions
|
New Hosta Introductions for this year:
‘DRESSED FOR SPRING’
|
2024 Hosta
Introduction
‘DRESSED
FOR SPRING’
(Sport of ‘Gypsy
Rose’)
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
We have never been too enthralled with the little hostas as they come replete with too many
drawbacks. However, a few small
ones have popped up in hybridizing and as occasional sports; if they are
visually pleasing and good growers we usually keep
them around to fill a small space here and there. Several years ago
we found DRESSED FOR SPRING as a sport when an entire clump of Gypsy
Rose morphed. We have kept it
since it has proven to be hardy and a good grower, and we enjoy its perky
visual expression. Visitors
have liked it and since we did, too, it was a matter of registration and introduction
As the picture to the left indicates, DRESSED FOR
SPRING is deep, clean green with a cream border that often jets down
into the green center a bit. We
appreciate the fact that the spoon shaped foliage is usually quite
dimpled which is rather unusual for a smaller type
hosta. Clump has a rather flat, spreading
form. Leaves are about 3”
by 2.5”. A mature clump
will be about 18” in diameter and 8” tall.
With the size as such, DRESSED FOR SPRING works
well toward the front of a planting.
She grows readily here in stronger sun and in more shady
settings. In a shadier setting
the color expression is deeper.
So, for the first time we have registered and introduced
smaller type hosta. She is a cute little gal and we like her. 2-3 eye plants.
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
New Hosta Introductions for this year:
‘TWILIGHT SHADOWS’
|
2024 Hosta
Introduction
‘TWILIGHT SHADOWS’
(Halcyon Sdlg
x Pleasure Seeker)
Not every hosta need be splashy or extravagant
to be desirable, and that is why we have decided to introduce TWILIGHT
SHADOWS. The pollen parent,
PLEASURE SEEKER, has proven its worth both as a garden plant and as a
hybridizing parent. Many of its
good qualities were manifested in this introduction.
As the picture at the left indicates, TWILIGHT SHADOWS
has a unique color
expression. The outer edges of
the leaves have a distinct blue tone which mutes to blue-green going toward the
centers and than a
nearly chartreuse tone toward the midrib. The veination
is distinct which increases the color contrast. Stemming from its pollen parent one
finds broadly undulating edges and a sharply pointed leaf tip.
A mature clump here measures about 25” across and about 15”
in height. Leaf size is
approximately 8.5” by 4”. Clump
form is quite dense and round.
A strong grower, TWILIGHT SHADOWS quickly forms a nice clump
that has both a pleasing and an interesting expression.
Here she expresses best color in dappled shade, but
grows readily in stronger sun as well.
Try planting her close to an intense blue, dark green or creamy
gold. Nice crown divisions
available.
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
Previous Introductions are listed in
alphabetical order.
|
'A Passion For Purple'
|
Hosta 'A Passion For Purple'
Every hybridizer has an orphan
waif (or many) that gets lost in the rush of life. This is the case with our introduction
of A Passion For Purple. Years (many) ago some crosses were
made in the first craze for red stemmed hostas. We were not impressed with the
results and decided to “abandon all hope” (Dante). A couple of the more interesting
seedling clumps were tossed under an arborvitae to fend for
themselves. Attesting to the
hardiness of our funkia friend’s genetics,
one clump took root and survived the Wisconsin winter. So much for the intro—now as
Paul Harvey was want to say, it is time for
“the rest of the story”:
A couple years later several
small seedlings had started to grow from seed drop of this clump. Those between the rows met the
business end of the Honda tiller; however, one had the good fortune to
start its life in a blank space within the row and was spared. This little seedling grew and
prospered, somehow surviving the annual summer rouging out process. Growing at the far north end of the
field plantings she was more or less ignored
season after season in the rush of summer. However, we did note the bright
shower of intense purple bloom as the clump matured. A rare inspection also indicated
that the petioles had a flush of red and that the bloom scapes
were quite purple in tone—ok, interesting. Then, a few seasons back, a hostaphile friend was walking past the waif in early
fall. He stopped, pointed, and
asked about the deep purple (near black) seed pods.
Like my protégé,
Homer Simpson (…duh), I had never really paid attention to this
before.
To escape the incredulous stare
of my hostaphile friend, I promised cut a few chunks off the waif and plant them
“somewhere”.
In the next few seasons we started to pay
more attention: Yes, the bright
purple bloom is sharp; yes, it does have some coloring on the petioles (no,
I do not lift foliage looking for color); yes, the scapes
are purple; and, yes, it does have near black seed pods.
Planting some of A Passion For Purple in more accessible sites,
visitors at bloom time have remarked about the color of the bloom and in
late season on the color of the pods.
AND, by beleaguered admission, we have come to appreciate the waif
more each season.
Some data: Adult clump size reaches about
28” across; scapes are about 26”
tall; individual leaves are about 7” x 3”. Now here is the caveat: to
achieve a profusion of purple bloom and black pods, one SHOULD plant it in
a setting with strong morning sun. This may seem to go against regular hosta logic.
However, we discovered an entirely different hosta
when she is planted under perfect (shady) conditions. In deeper shade, the color is deep
green with a glossy finish and wider foliage. It makes a nice, dense clump and
grows like a weed, but the more shade, the less bloom
and the less color!
So, there is the caveat for
anyone who wishes to provide a home for the waif. Take a look
at the pictures. No photo shop
adjustments. An oddball for
sure, but an oddball we have come to enjoy. Since she grows with great vigor, we
have lots of stock and will ship 3-4 eye plants.
Price: $30.00 (not subject to
discount)
|
|
'A
STEP BEYOND'
|
2023 Hosta
Introduction
A
STEP BEYOND
(Sport of GOLDEN SUNBURST)
There is an interesting story behind our 2023 introduction of A
STEP BEYOND. About 30 years
ago I contacted renowned German hybridizer/plantsman Heinz Klose in regard
to his work with hostas.
We carried on snail mail communication for some time and one spring he
asked if I would care for a few of his gold seedlings. Naturally my answer was
“yes”. A box arrived with about 6 young golds, a couple of
which I still have here. Also in the box was a division of GOLDEN SUNBURST
and a note that suggested I use it in hybridizing efforts. Perhaps his German climate was
more favorable for G.S. than what I have on my Wisconsin farm as G.S.
succumbed to sun scald no matter where I planted it. Finally I
tucked it back in an old planting and let it contend with the scald.
The story here turns a corner as one summer I saw something different
with G.S. Coming from the side
of the clump was a sport that expressed blue centers and wide gold borders. I watched to see if this would also
scald, which is to be expected due to the parentage of Frances
Williams. However, that was not
the case. G.S. continued to
scald (as does our true Frances Williams), but this sport showed much more
resistance, as well as pleasing color.
We dug the sport and planted it in two other sites—one with
more shade and the other with stronger sun.
Having watched and enjoyed this sport for several seasons we decided
last year that it should be registered and introduced as A STEP BEYOND. It has proven to be a large
“step beyond” G. S. and F. W.
The original sport clump measured about 38” in diameter with the
leaves measuring about 10” by 7”. Substance
is strong and growth rate is average. Light puckering is evidenced between
the veins. Planted in more
shade the borders are more of a chartreuse gold, but planted in more sun
they are gold. The powdery blue expression holds longest in more shade.
We have nice, large singles available.
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Alliteration'
('Invocation' X
'Cynthia')
|
Hosta 'Alliteration'
Our Hosta introduction, 'ALLITERATION',
bears a literary name meaning the “repetition of consonant
sounds”. In the case or our hosta, however, it has nothing to do with sounds, but
much to do with the unique expression of its double parent, 'Cynthia'
(Tompkins).
This hosta
is unique among its peers with wild splashing, mottling, streaking. Our
cross of 'Cynthia' to 'Invocation' produced an
even wilder child in 'Alliteration'. Every leaf is a different
expression-splashed/mottled/streaked/hazed/checkerboard/ghostly pale. And
whereas 'Cynthia' will sometimes revert to straight green (still a nice hosta), its child has been entirely stable here for
years.
The expression becomes more muted as summer passes, but is still apparent. Growth rate is strong and
leaf substance is heavy, with pebbled surface at maturity. As a parent,
this 'Cynthia' kid has produced some promising offspring which we are
evaluating for future introduction. Best
expression here is with a more shady setting-for
contrast. Mature size: 40" spread with rounded mound. Leaves: approx.
7" x 10".
Price:
$50.00(NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'As You Like It'
|
Hosta 'As You Like
It'
(Cross of two seedlings involving SUNNY SMILES and
PAUL’S GLORY)
Both Sunny Smiles and Paul’s Glory have proven
excellent parents individually as well as crossed together. Our introduction of AS YOU LIKE
IT goes to prove the point.
We noted from this cross a number of
seedlings that emerged a soft, clean chartreuse, then quietly eased into
green tipped creams, and finally into shimmering, smooth cream tones. The picture tells the tale better
than the verbage at this point.
Having
grown up here on the farm milking registered Guernseys
as a kid and luxuriating in their rich cream (…none of the watery
Holstein stuff!!) for making butter, ice cream, sweet cheese curds, molsa, rommegraut, gryngraut (pull out your Norwegian dictionaries at this
point)—well, let’s just say we used a lot of rich Guernsey
cream. If we had our
‘druthers, we would have named it ‘Guernsey Cream’ due to
the smooth, creamy color of the foliage; however, that hosta
already exists. Naturally we
grow it here, and it is a nice gold, too.
Our
next choice for a name was something else to indicate a certain
“soft” quality that this hosta
expresses. Going through our
“possible names” list, we came upon something Shakespearean in
nature that seemed evince this pleasing, summery
quality: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Unfortunately
the registrar thought it too close to an already registered cultivar. We were initially disappointed until
she thoughtfully suggested another Shakespearean title: As You Like It. And we did like it! (Bless her heart!) So there is the story behind the name.
Each
season she proves herself a garden lady dressed for the occasion: soft and
shimmering. And each season she puts on like clockwork her quiet ease from
soft chartreuse to crème de mint tipped, to the pure cream
expression. (Again, the picture tells the story.)
Sizewise A.Y.L.I. has an ultimate garden spread of
about 36”, with leaf measurements about 8 x
6. In spite
of the lack of strong chlorophyll through most of the season, she is
a good grower, quickly forming a spreading mound. There is one quirk about her that we
find hard to explain: In the
8-10 years we have grown this seedling and made divisions to line out, we
have never seen a bloomscape. That does not mean that this is a
permanent fixture. Perhaps in
your setting she will bloom.
The 4 siblings we have kept back from this cross have all bloomed
and we have used them in our own hybridizing with good success.
As
with so many hostas, siting
is key to achieve the best color expression. Here we have grown AS YOU LIKE IT
in a rich, tilthy soil where she gets
a couple hours of early morning sun, then high shade during the balance of
the day. She gives the pictured
color expression in variants of this setting. One caution: do not plant in strong
sun as this can bleach out the best color.
As
with all our hosta introductions, AS YOU LIKE
IT has not been and will not be tissue cultured by us (which is to
say that is As We Like It). It
has not been gifted or shared.
We recommend it without hesitation, thinking that you will like
it. Methinks the Bard might
have liked it on A Midsummer Night’s Eve as well. Nice double plants to ship.
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Benediction'
(Sun Power X
Cynthia)
|
Hosta 'Benediction'
Some hostas
exhibit a bold, demanding attitude in the garden, while others make their
presence known in a more alluring, stately manner, requiring no fanfare.
Such is the case with 'Benediction.' As a matter of etymology, the Latin
meaning of the word "benediction" is literally the "good
word," which we feel aptly fits.
This shimmering gold ultimately forms
a symmetrical, stately clump about 4' across and 22" high, while the
leaf placement displays a pleasing, embricated
effect. The leaves themselves are extremely uniform in size and shape.
Distinctly ventricular with pronounced, impressed veining, the foliage has
precisely cut, clean edging.
As our picture indicates, a mature clump
develops the same sort of precise puckering between veins. Chameleon-like,
'Benediction' emerges a pure golden chartreuse and then assumes its early
summer metamorphosis, becoming a softly shimmering gold. Of added interest,
a mature clump will occasionally exhibit leaves with dark green
flares/streaks. Perhaps due to this tendency we already have at least one
sport which we have identified for future introduction, as well as others
we are evaluating.
Everything about 'Benediction' is
pleasing--clean, precise, uniform and stately with alluring, beckoning
color quality for those shady, darker corners, or along a path to be viewed
in evening light. While beautiful at any time of day, we are especially
drawn to its softly shimmering presence as light fades, incanting the
perfect benediction to a summer's day.
Price:
$40.00(NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Cair
Paravel'
(Sun Power X
Cynthia)
|
Hosta 'Cair Paravel'
It is no secret to our hostaphile
friends that we like golds and have made a great
many crosses to produce quality hostas in this
color line. We have been especially happy with former large type
introductions like 'Streets of Gold' and 'Benediction.' Waiting in the
wings are several others that are both stately and lovely. One of the best
of these is our introduction of 'Cair Paravel.'
If you are wondering about the name, it stems from the Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, one of our favorite authors.
Forming a large clump with a spreading
habit, this cultivar will obtain a width of about 40". Individual
leaves are in the area of 12" x 6". In
essence, C.P. combines the best of both parents: large clump, rapid growth
rate, and distinctive presentation. Strong in CYNTHIA'S genetics is the
ability to produce beautifully wavy leaf edges. Additionally, the CYNTHIA
line tends to be quite sun tolerant. Both these virtues are exemplified in
'Cair Paravel.'
As the photo indicates, this wavy leaf
edge is dominant. Several of the sibs showed this strength, but C.P.
was the very best of them. The color is a different sort of gold than we
have ever seen before. Not a yellow gold, and not
a chartreuse-gold either. Rather than trying to
find the right words for it, let the picture act as an explanation. Depending on the season, there is often a marbling
effect, and if one looks closely, a muted cream-green edge.
This is a gold with
character and plan to have double fan plants available for spring shipment.
As with all our own introductions, we guarantee your satisfaction. You will
like 'Cair Paravel’: An elegant name for an
elegant hosta.
Price:
$35.00(NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Change of Venue'
(sport of 'Wrinkles And Crinkles')
|
Hosta 'Change of Venue'
(sport of 'Wrinkles And Crinkles')
Like so many hostaphiles,
we enjoy the unruly expression of an untamed, very rugose hosta form.
One such hosta that we have long enjoyed
is 'Wrinkles And Crinkles'. It is one of those cultivars that
has been around for a good long time and maintains a good following with
many gardeners. In one of the
older planting sites here where odds and ends used to be planted
in at the end of the season we knew there
was a nice clump of WAC, but being somewhat out of the way it was seldom
visited.
Several years ago we
were pruning back some branches around this bed. Something seemed rather unusual
about the clump of WAC that was set back in this dark corner. A closer look indicated that the
whole clump had morphed into what you see in the picture of the single leaf
on this webpage. Thinking it
might be just a passing expression, we looked back
the following summer and found that the mutation was maintained. Accordingly, we dug the clump and
made a few divisions which we planted under an apple tree in a more
traveled area where we could watch it.
Happily, the expression has been maintained year after year on every
fan of every clump as far as we can tell.
At first we thought
to just keep it around as a fast growing curiosity, but visitors often
inquired about it and we enjoyed its subtle presence each season. Hence we
decided to register this sport of WAC as CHANGE OF VENUE.
Why CHANGE OF VENUE? (When we name a hosta,
we try to use a name that is expressive of the plant itself as much as
possible. Hence: 'Jurassic
Park', 'A Passion For Purple', 'Glad Rags',
'Tiffany Tune', etc.) This hosta goes through an annual change of expression. It starts out very close to the
solid deep blue of WAC with lots of unruly rugosity. Then, as the season advances the outer
inch of the leaf edges takes on a chartreuse tone. This begins in a subtle form and
then becomes bolder and more dominant.
Often toward the end of the season the outer band of color takes on
an interesting near olive expression.
Diminisions of clump and foliage are the same as
the parent: Clump spread of about 36" and around 20" tall;
foliage measures in the vininity of 9" x
7". Very rugose,
heavy substanced foliage.
We suggest planting
in a more shady setting for best color
expression. This is the sort of
hosta that doesn't shout as you pass by. Rather it quiety
draws one in for a closer examination.
Strong growth rate which readily forms a
rather dense, compact clump. If
you have darker, shady setting which needs
something of a "change of venue" consider our CHANGE OF VENUE
to add a new expression.
Price: $50.00--doubles (not
subject to discount)
|
|
'CUM LAUDE'
|
2023 Hosta
Introduction
Hosta 'CUM LAUDE'
(Blue Ox x Abiqua
Drinking Gourd)
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
Well over 25 years ago Chet Tompkins shared a start of
an intense blue semi cupped hosta seedling that
he later registered as BLUE OX.
We were both taken with its intense blue color, heavy substance and very rugose/dimpled expression. About the
same time Charlie Purdymun had a fine cupped blue
seedling that grew by the side of his home and protected from deer
predation with an electric fence. He shared a start
of this one and registered it as Abiqua Drinking
Gourd. This hosta
and his gold introduction of Abiqua Recluse were
two of his finest hostas, and I still appreciate
them as they grow here.
Considering what crosses might be good to make in the deep blue tones, I finally made this cross with
several blooms of B.O. and A.D.G.
As the little seedlings grew on I selected
about 100 of them to line out in the shade on the north side of the tobacco
shed. They were weeded on
occasion but otherwise rather ignored as they were out of the way. When it came time to take down the
tobacco shed the seedlings had grown into decent sized clumps. 8 of these were selected as being
the best of the lot and given a better growing site. All were nice, but through several
more seasons I settled on two that I (and garden visitors) liked best. One is a very round leafed blue-green with precise dimpling and heavy substance,
which is for introduction at a later time. The other one we finally lifted and
lined out a couple seasons ago.
She is registered as CUM LAUDE for one of our 2023
introductions.
CUM LAUDE’S expression is readily seen in
the pictures to the left. A
well grown clump will measure about 34” in diameter and the foliage
about 8” x 7”. Like her parents, she has heavy substance, and grows in a
semi upright form. On a well
settled clump the rugosity/dimpling becomes increasingly expressive on the round cupped
leaves. (The pictures here
are from that of a 3-year-old clump—the rugosity and cupping become
even more pronounced with age.)
These are all qualities that one readily appreciates, but even more
to my liking is the deep aqua-marine blue expression with a strong
silvery patina. This
silvery patina is maintained through the season if give
a planting site with high, dappled shade.
We are very pleased with this hosta
and have nice, large sized singles to offer..
Price: $75.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Dark Treasure'
(From seedling lines of Tompkins’ breeding
including ‘Lakeport Blue’, ‘Versailles Blue’
and ‘Blue Babe’.)
|
Hosta 'Dark
Treasure'
Another “green”? Yes, another GREEN!!! But not just “another”
green. Far from it, this hosta has all the good stuff that begs for a place in
the garden. In
reality it does not have to beg—it simply, quietly and
impressively commands attention.
Why? Here are some it
its distinguishing qualities at maturity: 1. Large, round, heavy substanced, leathery leaves which exhibit distinctive
biscuit tufting
2. Glossy, shimmering leaf surface that seems to glow in the shade 3.
Forest green hue with dark expression.
4. Distinctive mounded form spreading to about
40” and 30” in height that displays itself with
dignity.
I was pleasantly surprised when this young hosta with dark color, ultra heavy substance and
shimmering leaf surface appeared in a group of powdery blue seedlings a number of years ago. Since ‘DARK TREASURE’ stems entirely from the
breeding lines of Chet and Cynthia Tompkins, I told him about these
qualities which all came together in this hosta. He replied that this dark green tone
with a shimmering glow was an “occasional” recessive in the
‘Lakeport Blue’ lines, stemming from his mother’s
hybridizing back in the 1920’s.
He was enthusiastic and asked that I send him a start the next
spring after seeing pictures.
That never happened as he passed away the same winter. Whenever I walk by ‘DARK
TREASURE’ here on the farm I think of Chet and my yearly visits
with him and his passion for hostas, iris and daylilies.
My initial idea was to name this it after him as this was
“his” sort of hosta. However, Chet distinctly disliked
the idea of naming plants after people, so I refrained from pursuing the
matter, choosing a moniker that reflected the plant itself instead.
The mother clump here grows in a shady site under an
apple tree with other seedlings from the Tompkins’ lines. Visitors never fail to be drawn to
it as it simply has so many positive qualities that have
come together in one genetic composition. Someone said last summer that the
mature leaves reminded them of a Monet lilypad,
only very dark and beautifully puckered. A good analogy. Whatever the case, ‘DARK
TREASURE’ has the sort of impressive qualities that I like. It is, in a word,
“DISTINCTIVE”. And, isn’t that what we want
today when there are so many dozens of new hostas
being introduced
on a yearly basis that
are anything but distinctive.
Happily, ‘DARK TREASURE’ has produced some very fine kids with even
more intensified qualities. Selfing it has been very
productive, as have crosses with our ‘Summa Cum Laude’,
‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Streets Of Gold’.
A good grower, which settles in readily, we recommend a
shady site to keep the dark hues at their darkest and the shimmering
quality at its best. The
picture was taken with a flash; actual expression
is darker.
We have nice double eye plants lined out
for spring delivery. It is not
in tissue culture and we have no plans to do so,
nor has it been guested to other growers. As with our other NGP introductions
of hostas and daylilies, grow it for two seasons
and if you are not fully satisfied, we will buy it back from you.
Price:
$50.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Extrovert'
|
Hosta 'Extrovert'
If you are looking for a specimen plant that
is both unique and lovely--one that stands out from the crowd--we offer
'Extrovert' for your consideration. Yes, this is a green hosta, but not just "another" green hosta. This one is distinctive. Sizewise,
our oldest clump is about 3-4' across, forming a distinct, rounded mound
about 22" high. Well grown, this a hosta
with generous dimples and puckering. Admittedly, plenty of green hostas match this description so far, BUT this one
is unique in that the beautifully dimpled leaves are convex in
nature, as though you pulled the edges down and pushed the centers up.
The color of the very rounded, heavy substanced
leaves is difficult to describe--rather a steely-green hue with a satiny
finish.
Both the individual leaves and the
clump as a whole are distinctive and most
pleasing. Garden visitors have always commented on 'Extrovert' as it does
stand out from the crowd. A mature clump is individualistic and has true
impact. Even a young plant has good eye appeal. We grow about 600 varieties
of hostas here and there is really nothing that
we have found to compare with it.
As a parent, this one is producing offspring
with very intense puckering and the same "extroverted"
effect. We hope to introduce
one such “kid” as soon as we have sufficient stock. If you are looking for a potent
parent for the qualities above, we readily recommend this extroverted lady.
None available
for 2024
|
|
|
|
'Fame Game'
(‘Christmas
Tree Gala’ x ‘Donahue’s Piecrust’)
|
Hosta 'Fame Game'
Streaked hostas
are generally valued for their breeding ability: i.e. to produce variegated
offspring. And in this regard ‘Fame Game’ has more than proven
its value. Highly fertile, this hosta can be
counted on to produce a large number of variegated
kids. We have selfed it,
used it with golds, blues and other predictably
notable parents, like ‘Cynthia’. From
the dozens of variegated offspring, we have several which are
promising—especially some rugose golds with white streaking.
The problem with most streaked hostas is that they are highly unstable and quickly
revert to a solid form. With ‘Fame Game’, however, we have seen
much greater stability than any other streaked parent we have As with all streaked hostas,
it is best to divide them on occasion to preserve stability.
Settled 4-year clumps here are about
30” across, with a pleasing mound habit. Stemming from the
‘C.T.G.’ parentage, mature leaves can become quite rugose. The
basic color is a blue-infused dark green; superimposed on this background
one will find streaks and often large swaths of yellow, cream, white.
Individual leaves are ovate in form, but becoming
more rounded with maturity.
None available for 2024.
|
|
'Gilding The Lily'
(Sport of ‘Sun
Power’)
|
Hosta 'Gilding The Lily'
(Sport of ‘Sun
Power’)
Through the years we have found no less than 5 nice
sports of Sun Power. All these
are nice in their own right; after many seasons we decided on introducing
GILDING THE LILY as it was the best of the group.
You will note from our picture that much of the
structure basics of this introduction are like that of its parent, Sun
Power. However, there are
differences which stand out. Relating to color expression, the centers of
the leaves are a gold-chartreuse, while the borders are a clean cream
which often streaks down into the center of the foliage.
We find two other differences compared to the parent
cultivar: 1. The leaves have broadly undulating edges. 2. The clump
size is a bit less spreading and more compact in nature, while a mature
plant will have a more dense growth. Clump size is about 30” in
diameter; leaves are in the area of 5” x
11”.
Sun Power is one of our favorite gold hostas, so we thought a name like GILDING THE LILY
would fit aptly for this sport as it takes something that is already a
super hosta and adds some gilt.
We have nice plants available.
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Glad Rags'
('Sheer Bliss' X 'Blue Ox')
|
Hosta 'Glad Rags'
The web site pictures give at least a partial
idea of the positives of 'Glad Rags.' A well established clump will measure about
20" across and 14" tall, with a somewhat vaselike form,
especially on younger plants. Leaves are semi-cupped, about 4" x
6" and crinkled with age. Substance is very
heavy. Consequently, 'Glad Rags' takes a good deal of sun here without
complaint.
Leaves emerge chartreuse, then
quickly turn color. Shade produces a chartreuse-gold border; semi-shade
produces a clean, bright gold border; stronger sun ultimately transitions
chartreuse to gold to ivory. The gold borders are extra wide,
encasing an irregular swath of green center. The pattern is repeated on
every leaf; yet no two leaves are exactly the same.
Even a young plant is singular. An established clump is stunning.
For more pictures, do a Google Image search
where you will find dozens to view.
Yes, GLAD RAGS has been tissue cultured (without our
permission). No, none of our
stock of G.R. or any other hosta introductions is
ever tissue cultured by us.
You can certainly find G.R. available from
several sources after the Dutch and one US tc lab
did mass tc production on it, and you can find it
for less than our price. Our stock is not tc’d,
and rather than receiving a tiny tc, you will
receive a single made from divisions of 4-year-old clumps.
We should have a limited supply of nice
singles.
Price: $50.00 (singles) Very Limited
|
|
'Invocation'
(‘Cynthia x Piedmont
Gold’)
|
Hosta 'Invocation'
Our earlier introduction of INVOCATION has
proven increasingly popular.
Thankfully it is a good grower, so we have a fair amount of stock
available. Properly sited, as the season progresses the chartreuse centers
turn yellow, then gold, then a brassy gold, while
the borders turn from light cream to pure white.
Having tested this hosta
for the last several years, we find it to be entirely stable in expression
and form. Like its parents, ‘Invocation’ attains a spread of
about 40”. Individual leaves at maturity are about 11” by
7”. It is a good grower, forming a striking clump in just a couple
seasons, but even as a yearling it provides a focal point.
The longer we grow ‘Invocation’
the more we enjoy it. Response
from others who now grow it in their gardens has been very positive.
We find best expression in a site with early
morning sun and dappled shade thereafter.
Invocation makes a fine contrasting
statement when planted as a neighbor to a hosta
or good blue tones.
An exceptionally nice hosta!
Price:
$40.00(NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Jotunheim'
|
Hosta 'Jotunheim'
We have grown on thousands of seedlings,
looking for some top quality blues. In this one we
feel that several criteria all came together: Deep, silvery-blue color,
heavy substance, rugose leaf, pleasing mound shape and good growth rate.
Growing in full sun in the field, the original seedling clump was 5 1/2'
across. Individual leaves are about 8"x10", with beautiful
puckering at maturity. Of very heavy substance, the leaves pucker
distinctively with age and develop a rather undulating edge. Furthermore,
this hosta exhibits good slug resistence.
We have found its best color is developed
when given some good morning sun. Its silvery patina lasts much longer than
on most other blues. Strong, husky divisions. As a parent, 'Jotunheim' is producing large offspring with beautiful color, heavy
substance and beautifully dimpled leaves.
Increasingly popular.
Very Limited.
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount) Very Limited
|
|
'Jurassic Park'
(from
seedling lines)
|
Hosta 'Jurassic Park'
Finding just the "right" name for
this hosta proved difficult. Words like
"large" just don't work here. This "animal" has garden
names like "The Thing That Ate Chicago", "Bouncing
Betty", "Bods Ominous" and "Man Eater"! To this
beast we attribute the loss of 3 shovels, a John Deere riding mower, 2
garden tillers, 3 cats, 6 raccoons, a Guernsey cow and 2 little old ladies
on a garden visit. Hence we give it wide berth when working close to it. It has been
recommended that we spray it with Roundup once or twice a year just to keep
it from hurting anyone.
From the fore-going chicanery you may assume
that "Jurassic Park" is HUGE when established, as well as
vigorous in growth. Our original clump measures about 8 1/2' across and has
stretched as much as 9’ when rainfall has been ample—and that
without any fertilizer application. Leaves on well
tended clumps can be up to 16" x 14". Of Sieboldiana background, this introduction has
very heavy substanced green leaves which exhibit
heavy tucks and puckers at maturity.
It does well for us with strong
morning sun and filtered shade thereafter. Very impressive through
mid-season even in full sun. Due to its heavy substance, slugs have never
been a problem--basically because it eats them!
Give this one lots of space, space, space. It will "grow" on
you... (And in answer to some
questions, the stock we have to offer is NOT tissue cultured.) We have large size plants available.
Price: $35.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
Large 2-3 eye field
grown plants--NOT tissue cultures
|
|
'Lakefront Property'
(Christmas Tree Gala x Donahue
Piecrust)
|
Hosta 'Lakefront Property'
(Christmas Tree Gale x Donahue
Piecrust)
Since we first noticed this seedling, we have watched
her develop into something quite special. The positive genetics of both
parents are seen in our introduction of LAKEFRONT
PROPERTY.
As the picture indicates, L.P. is a deep, frosty
green with several other muted expressions of green/cream/white that
jut and streak out onto a pure white widely undulating border. The pointed ends tend to twist/turn
as they narrow. Overall
expression is distinctive.
This hosta has proven to be a
strong grower here, making a mature clump about 38” across and
21” tall. Foliage
measures about 12” x 8” with deeply impressed veining and good
substance. Clump form tends to
be a rounded mound.
Through the years we have always gone out of our way to
be very selective on the hostas we introduce.
L.P. meets the standards we strive for.
We recommend LAKEFRONT PROPERTY without hesitation. It is the sort of hosta that one can identify at a distance. Nice sized plants available for
spring/summer delivery.
Price: $75.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Miner Forty Niner'
(Abiqua Recluse x Streets Of
Gold)
|
Hosta 'Miner Forty Niner'
(Abiqua Recluse x Streets Of
Gold)
What
is a hosta planting without good golds?
Mundane! From the time I
first began hybridizing years ago, I have always made a
number of crosses for gold/yellow expression. Many of these seedlings we have kept
back and observed them for years, watching as they matured from
"nice" to "gotta keep". This
year's introduction of MINER FORTY NINER is one of those gotta keep hostas.
Before
breaking up the 8-year-old mother clump two years ago to line out for
increase, the diameter was about 36" across. We have grown MFN in settings
ranging from 75% sun to 75% shade where she prosperes in
nicely. In a more
shady setting she maintains a more chartreuse expression longer into
the season; in a setting with more light, the gold expression quickly
develops.
The
picture here gives a good idea of what to expect on foliage. A well established clump supports leaves that are very
pebbled/puckered with what I call a honey comb appearance. The substance is heavy
and a mature plant has a pleasing mound form. Growth rate is on the strong side of
average.
Both
the parents of MINER FORTY NINER are favorites of ours in the gold class,
and both have been great parents for gold kids. Both parents transmit the fine color
expression we like and both produce nicely pebbled
kids. From MFN we have a number of promising seedlings. Some really
outstanding kids have come from crosses with Super Bowl, as well as
some sharp blues from Abiqua Drinking Gourd. Lots of possibilities for the
hybridizer.
We
have nice plants available. As
with all our hosta introductons,
MFN has not been tissue cultured nor has it been shared.
Price: $75.00 (NET: not subject to
discount)
|
|
'New Kid On The Block'
(Sport of Sweet Sunshine)
|
Hosta 'New Kid On The Block'
(Sport of Sweet Sunshine)
Sweet Sunshine is another one of those hostas
that we have enjoyed through the seasons here; it has provided us with 4
deserving sports, 2 of which we plan to introduce. New Kid On
The Block is the first. We
first noticed this sport about 10 years ago and have enjoyed watching it as
the years have progressed.
Like its parent, New Kid On The Block
has several aspects which we have appreciated. As our picture will indicate the leaf
shape is quite cupped in nature.
Additionally, like its parent, there is a strong rugose
expression with lots of what Chet Tompkins called “biscuit
tufting”.
Color expression is a medium green with creamy
gold borders that usually streak down into the centers of the leaves. In that regard, no two leaves are
totally alike. This variegation
is of a pleasing softer nature.
It doesn’t slap you as you walk by, but it does draw one close
for a second look. We find that
it presents itself especially well planted close to deep
blue neighbors.
Growth rate is a bit stronger than its parent, presenting a mature clump
about 30” across. Leaves
are about 6” x 9”.
Nice plants available.
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Packer Backer'
(Sport of
‘Abiqua Recluse’)
|
Hosta 'Packer
Backer'
Choosing the “right” name for hosta registration and introductions is always a
challenge. Whatever the moniker, it needs to “fit”. While
watching the Packers play this evening, everything (except a win) came
together. The Pack colors of green and bright gold are just those of this
year’s introduction.
From its parent ‘Packer Backer’
inherited heavy leaf substance and a very pebbled expression at maturity.
The leaf center is dark green. The 1” margins start the season with a
golden-chartreuse expression, but change quickly
to an INTENSE GOLD which holds through high summer, slowly taking a cream
yellow expression in late season. It has proven to be the most intense gold
bordered hosta we grow. The cover picture was
taken at the cream state in late August.
The expression is very contrasty.
Variegation has been totally stable. Semi-mounded expression, spreading to
about 38”; leaves about 7” by 10”.
To be anything other than a Packer backer in
Wis. is to flirt with danger, but even if you are a Bears, Vikings, Lions
or Patriots backer, we trust you will be a fan of ‘PACKER
BACKER’. (Best given some morning sun.)
Price:
$50.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Pale Moon Rising'
(Manhattan x
Extrovert)
|
Hosta 'Pale Moon
Rising'
Some hybridizing crosses beg to be made, seeming ripe
with potential. And such was
the case with the cross that produced PALE MOON RISING. The total uniqueness of
MANHATTAN has long made it a personal favorite. Its compact, rounded mound and
wholly honeycomb rugosity on round leaves readily announces its garden
presence. Add to this its late
spring emergence which always avoids frost. Our introduction of EXTROVERT (from
Tompkins’ lines) has proven a top parent for us,
producing kids with great rugosity and “extroverted” round leaf
forms. The merging of these
two parent plants “clicked”.
In the cross of MANHATTAN and EXTROVERT I was hoping for
something that might incorporate the good qualities of both parents. Several blues and blue-greens
were produced, many of which were quite nicely puckered or
“honeycomb” in expression on rounded foliage (…a couple
we really like for later introduction). However, I was not expecting a
seedling with the pale cream expression of PALE MOON RISING. It does make some sense, though,
as through the EXTROVERT background coming from Chet Tompkins’ lines
there is the recessive genetic potential to produce cream/yellow/gold. This goes back to one of his
mother’s pale chartreuse seedling which he
named Golden Galleon. (G.G.
emerges a ghostly pale cream and very slowly takes on a medium chartreuse
tone.)
As you will note in the pictures here, PALE MOON
RISING many positive traits from its parents: (…pictures show mid season color expression)
- Neatly
rounded, compact clump form, strongly dimpled/honeycomb expression
- Very
round, “extroverted” leaves
- Very
pleasing, pale cream color hue—emerging color is a ghostly
pale cream,
which slowly takes on the creamy
gold expression (in the pictures shown), and finally expressing clean
chartreuse in late season
All good points! BUT one more matter that bears
positive impact is that PMR is THE latest emerging hosta
that grows here on the farm, a quality stemming from MANHATTAN. Consequently
even with very late frosts here in Wisconsin, PMR has never been
touched.
Growth rate is average to a bit
on the slower order. Our mother
clump measured 36” across at maturity; individual mature leaves are
about 6 x 7-8 (more round than ovate).
We suggest a planting site in an area of high shade with a loamy soil.
Due to its color expression, this cultivar draws attention as a
focal point in a shady corner flanked by solid blues/greens.
We are very pleased with PALE
MOON RISING and have large size single divisions available to a limited
extent. As with all our
introductions, we will never knowingly place it in tissue culture. It has not been guested and will not
be tissue cultured. All
parent stock is here on the farm.
Price:
$100.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Pleasure Seeker'
(kikutii
x ‘Halcyon’)
|
Hosta 'Pleasure
Seeker'
Forming a semi-vaselike clump ultimately
about 30” in diameter, PLEASURE SEEKER has a “finished”
appearance even on a first year clump. The leaves
are broadly lanceolate with a gentle arching effect. Color expression is
steely blue with a strong patina. Once settled in, the leaves acquire a
broadly undulating edge and a distinct “twist” at the leaf tip.
One of the most distinctive matters about P.S. is its metallic patina,
which persists from early through late season on the heavy substanced leaves.
Since ‘PLEASURE SEEKER’ is a
very strong grower, it can and should be placed in a shadier section of
the planting to preserve its best expression. It multiplies rapidly,
quickly forming a distinctive clump.
Some hostas are a
hot splash in the pan. P.S., on the other hand is
distinctively serene, with a glowing finish which persists throughout the
season. A true specimen. The low price reflects our supply, not the quality
of the plant. Double eye divisions.
Price:
$30.00 (NET—not subject to discount)
|
|
'Rabble Rouser'
'Rabble Rouser'
(Sport of Lakeport Blue)
|
Hosta 'Rabble Rouser'
(Sport of Lakeport Blue)
We have been watching RABBLE ROUSER develop over the
last 9 years. As a young plant we enjoyed the intense green-blue centers
of the foliage and the creamy gold borders. As each season passed, we became
more appreciative of this hosta. We know of no other sports of Tompkins’ Lakeport Blue' which we have grown in
large clumps here on the farm, along with many of the other hostas of Cynthia and Chet Tompkins.
The mother clump was about 46” across before we
took some away to line out for introduction. Form is
that of a somewhat spreading mound.
Due to its heavy substance and strong petioles, the clump maintains
integrity even after strong storms.
On an established plant, the foliage can become quite heart shaped.
The picture on the site shows mid
summer expression in about 75% sun. The dark centers make a fine
contrast with the golden yellow borders. We have appreciated the strong
pebbling/puckering on the mother clump through the seasons.
Growth/increase is quite strong. While I have not used RABBLE ROUSER
in hybridizing previously (for some strange reason), I think I will have to
make that venture in the coming seasons. It will be interesting, knowing the
parentage, to make crosses with some good colored blues like Silver Bay,
and I am tempted to use it with Streets Of Gold
now that I think about it.
As with all our introductions, your guarantee of
satisfaction remains in place.
We should have nice plants available.
Price: $50.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
Hosta
‘Rags To Riches’
(Golden Medallion
x Blue Mammoth) x Glad Rags )
|
Hosta 'Rags To Riches'
We have used our introduction of GLAD RAGS as a pollen
parent with good results. One
of these good results we introduce this spring as RAGS
TO RICHES. This new bright,
cheery hosta first appeared here among the GR
crosses a number of years ago. With the BLUE MAMMOTH heritage, one
would expect larger seedlings, but GLAD RAGS tends to be dominant in
controlling size, creating kids more akin to itself in size. Having made divisions and planted
RTR in several sites for evaluation, we are perfectly content and confident
in making this introduction.
True
also to its GLAD RAGS heritage, RTR emerges with a clean chartreuse
expression, which quickly changes to an equally clean gold which you will
note in the picture. This color
hue holds throughout the balance of the growing season.
A
well established clump
will here has a spread of about 20”. Leaves measure about 3.5” x
5”. Height is about
9”-10”. When
mature, a clump can have a somewhat flat topped
appearance.
Stemming from the GOLDEN
MEDALLION heritage one will find that the foliage becomes progressively
more puckered/pebbled with age, and age tends to enhance substance as
well.
We have a more mature clump of RAGS
TO RICHES planted next to some smaller clumps of GLAD RAGS, which makes
for a pleasing effect as the both these hostas attain their true gold tones as
the same time.
As with most golds, siting is important. In deeper shade one will have a more
chartreuse-gold tone (which is nice, too). Planting in intense sun will produce
brilliant gold quickly, but then one will also have to deal with the
possibility/likelihood of some burn.
Early morning sun with some high, dappled shade at the heat of the
day is about ideal from our plantings.
RAGS TO RICHES is one of
those hostas which fits in readily in most
gardens. It is not a muscle plant like our JURASSIC PARK, yet it can
quickly form a bright statement toward the front of a planting of more
dominant hostas. A great companion for medium/small,
intense blue types, RTR makes a bright, perky statement season after
season. We have double eye
plants available for as long as they last.
It is not in tissue culture and
has not been guested.
Price:
$50.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Refiner’s Fire'
(‘Burnished
Brass x Cynthia)
|
Hosta 'Refiner’s
Fire'
‘Burnished Brass’ (Chet.Tompkins)
has proven to be a fine parent here for kids with bright gold color hues,
and ‘Cynthia” (Cynthia Tompkins) has produced many strikingly
variegated seedlings through the years for us. Using ‘BB’ as pod parent
and ‘C’ as pollen parent did the magic to produce ‘Refiner’s
Fire’, which we consider on a par with our ‘Glad
Rags’ in merit.
As ‘Refiner’s Fire’ grows here,
it forms a large clump in nice, mounded form about 40” across and
28” tall. Foliage is
ventricular in form and very pebbled, but not unruly, at maturity.
Early foliage has chartreuse-gold centers with dark
green borders that streak in swaths down into the middle of the leaf. Properly sited, as the season
progresses the centers take on a brassy gold tone that makes an even
more highly contrasted expression which holds until frost. Planted in more shade, the early
expression (pictured) endures; given more light,
the brassy tones take hold as the season progresses. Both are sharp!
With the exception of one pure
gold sport (which we are propagating), the variegation has proven entirely
stable in the ten plus seasons we have grown it.
We have several seedlings from ‘Refiner’s
Fire’ that show promise.
Thus far, they have all been solid in nature—chartreuse, gold,
green. We plan to make crosses
with it this season on ‘Pioneer’ which is recessive for gold
and variegation. While we have
not used it with very round leafed cultivars, that is something that should
likely be done. Using ‘Glad
Rags’ as pollen parent, we have some exceptionally bright, brassy
kids that beg introduction in the future.
Whether used as striking landscaping plant or as a
parent for hybridizing, ‘Refiner’s Fire’ is
meritorious. We recommend it
without hesitation. It is not
in tissue culture and we have no plans to go that
route, nor has it been guested.
We offer double eye plants. And our guarantee remains: Grow the plant on
for two seasons. If at the end
of the second season you are not entirely satisfied with its performance,
we will be glad to buy it back from you and pay for shipping as well.
Price:
$100.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'RSVP'
(Seedling x Seedling)
|
Hosta 'RSVP'
(Seedling x Seedling)
There is something of an
interesting history behind RSVP. About 15 years ago we noticed with
interest a ghostly pale seedling with wild streaking as the season
progressed. Intrigued, we made
a cross on the only and only bloom on the one and only bloomscape,
but hoped to make more crosses when a more mature plant would send up more scapes.
Unfortunately, it was a bad winter for voles and the seedling was
lost. However, we did find two
viable seeds from the lone bloom and planted them out in the fall. In the spring one of the two seeds
germinated, producing a tiny green seedling with pure white edging.
As the seasons progressed this seedling grew on, forming
a small clump and always with foliage edged in clean white. Happily, after about 6 seasons
growing toward maturity we noted that the leaves
were decidedly round and nicely dimpled. The pure white edging made a
good contract with the deep, clean green leaves.
RSVP in its adult form presents a rather low growing
tabletop clump with a spread of about 22”. The very round leaves are in the area of 5” in diameter. The picture here gives a good idea
of the qualities of RSVP. We did make several crosses with this one last summer
and look forward to see what the kids look like.
We are glad to finally introduce this distinctive hosta for your consideration. After 14 years it was time to do so.
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Shades of Green'
|
Hosta 'Shades of Green'
Several seasons ago on the spur of the moment
we selfed a couple open blooms of 'Green
Marmalade', something that is seldom done. It was a whim at best; nonetheless
the seed was pressed into the planting bed. Late the next spring a small stretch
of tiny green seedlings emerged from this cross. On closer examination we noted that
one of these seedlings had a clean white edge and a bit of streaky
marbling. The following spring
this seedling was given a space where it didn't have to rub shoulders so
tightly with its siblings. And
in the following seasons we enjoyed watching things develop.
From this more developed seedling we found
some streaky fans, some with partial white edges, and
also few fans that were very stable with a
clean white border. Discarding
all else but the stable fans, we are pleased to watch as these fans quickly
grew to become expressive clumps.
When viewing the picture here on the website,
you may understand why we chose to register this hosta
as SHADES OF GREEN.
Whenever we walked past the planting site
we noted the various marbled tones (shades) of green that jet out from the
edges of the dark green center swath.
These shades vary in color from a muted green to a near yellow type
of chartreuse. Often, spears of
color jet out from the centers well into the pure white borders.
The leaf in the picture here shows some dings
as it was taken at the very end of the season in September. Earlier in the season SHADES OF
GREEN expresses the same satin finish as its parent. This sheen expresses itself
especially well in a more shady setting.
As to overall clump size one can readily
expect a clump that can attain 36" in width and around 22" in
height. On wet springs one can
expect an increase in height.
Individual leaves on an established clump range in
the area of 10" in length and 6" wide with a sharp,
defined point. This can
fluctuate a bit season to season as well. While the overall appearance is that
of a mounded clump, the foliage also has a rather upright growth form as
well.
Happily, SHADES OF GREEN does not sit
and pout; rather, she settles in readily and quickly forms a strong
clump. The many tones of green
on the backdrop of clean white forms an expressive BRIGHT SPLASH of garden
presence.
Nice, strong plants will be available for
shipping. These are not tc.
Price: $50.00 (not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Shadowfax'
(Sport of 'Piedmont Gold')
|
Hosta
'Shadowfax'
A few seasons ago we observed an entire clump
of 'Piedmont Gold' turn into a beautiful sport, the likes of which we had
not seen before. 'Shadowfax', as we came to call
this sport, is a melody of soft, creamy hues. In early spring the centers
of the leaves are a smooth chartreuse, while the wide borders are a muted,
golden cream. As the season progresses, the centers become a smooth, creamy
gold and the borders turn to a soft ivory hue. Whether early,
mid or late season, the colors are always soft and
serene. In size, it is equal to 'Piedmont Gold', but the leaves are more
distinctly rounded and puckered.
A mature clump stands about 22" tall
and spreads to about 4'. 'Shadowfax' seems to
perform best with good early morning light and dappled shade thereafter for
optimum color. This is one of those hostas which
is totally unique in expression. In fact, we had thought of calling
it 'Chameleon' due to its changing nature. Its soft, glowing hues always
entice visitors for a closer look. Distinctive and lovely. For best
color expression, give early morning light and high shade thereafter.
None
Available for 2024
|
|
Hosta ‘Standing Room Only’
(Reciprocal sibling of
JURASSIC PARK)
|
Hosta 'Standing
Room Only'
For many seasons we have watched the mother clump of
this reciprocal seedling of JURASSIC PARK displaying consistently. Each
season there has been the intent to introduce this stalwart performer, but
as Robert Frost penned the phrase, “…way leads on to way”
and it didn’t happen.
No more! Its time has come.
Yes, it is “another” blue-green hosta,
and there have been many “kind of nice” blue-greens
introduced. In fact, way too
many! At this point in time
another introduction of this type needs to have some really deserving
qualifications. So, what are
they?
When viewing the images of STANDING ROOM ONLY one notes that
its early season expression is strongly blue. One also notes that it tends to be a
more upright mound formation on growth. Whether due to strong petioles
(which it has), its rapid growth or the multitude of growth points/eyes,
a mature clump of SRO displays the thickest, most dense foliage that
we have ever seen on the hundreds of registered cultivars we grow
here. Whereas on most large hostas, one can readily part the leaves and see to the
crown, on SRO the density of foliage prevents this. It also means that strong winds and
heavy rains have little or no impact on its display. Hence, we have long thought that
STANDING ROOM ONLY was a proper and fitting moniker.
The mother clump pictured here measured 6.5 feet across before we
took divisions off for propagation.
Individual leaves at maturity are about 9 x 11 inches. These measurements are without
fertilizer or extra water.
Another of the matters that we have long noted and appreciated about
SRO is that the leaves are “individualistic”. While generally ovate in form with a
sharp point, no two seem to be exactly the same. Many are rather boat shaped; some
curve in from one side; many have widely undulating edges and are very
rugose. To be blunt, most are
rather “undisciplined--from a positive viewpoint. This holds true
especially on leaf expression in the middle of the clump. Because the foliage is so dense,
there seems to be something of a “survival of the fittest”
mode. Also noted is the fact
that STANDING ROOM ONLY has very heavy, unyielding substance—perhaps
another reason she prefers to do her own thing. While no hosta
is slug proof, we have noted little or no slug damage even in the wettest
summers.
So, if you want a hosta with perfectly
symmetrical leaf formation where everything grows to a specific set of
expectations, look elsewhere.
However, if you are looking for an entirely individualistic garden
expression that holds true season after season, STANDING ROOM ONLY
is for you. We have nice double
divisions available.
This hosta is not in tissue culture and has not been guested
to other gardens.
Price:
$40.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'Streets of Gold'
(Blue Mammoth X Golden
Medallion)
|
Hosta 'Streets of Gold'
Some years ago we
made several crosses of Tokudama type golds onto
large Sieboldiana type blues. Several interesting
golds emerged, but one of the nicest was this seedling from Blue Mammoth X
Golden Medallion.
From its juvenile stage onward, 'Streets Of Gold' exhibited certain characteristics which only
strengthened with age:
1. large,
very round, gold leaves,
2. heavy
substance,
3. strong
puckering, and
4. very
pleasing, rounded, mound-shaped clump.
The individual leaves on established plants
are about 8"x10," while a mature clump well grown can reach 4
feet across. The Tokudama type is strongly
evidenced with its heavy substanced, round,
puckered leaves, and the Sieboldiana heritage
expresses itself in the size of leaf and clump.
Like most golds, 'Streets Of
Gold' emerges golden chartreuse, then quickly changing
to an INTENSE GOLD which holds its color throughout the season. We
suggest placing it in strong early morning light, followed by some dappled
shade thereafter for best color.
A potent pollen parent for hybridizing. Sets seed with perseverance.
Price:
$50.00 (NET—not subject to discount)
|
|
'Summa Cum Laude'
(Sport of 'Sum and Substance')
|
Hosta 'Summa Cum
Laude'
Through the years we have been blessed with
at least six variegated sports of ‘Sum And
Substance’. All have been very nice, but
much like other registered sports already available. However, observing
this sport for the last years we have found it distinctively unique: The
base color is typical S&S, but edged in a very regular cream-yellow
edge of about 3/4”.
Beyond this the presentation is unlike the
other S&S sports we have seen. 1. SCL has a very distinct, controlled,
mounded clump form. 2. Leaf shape is round and usually somewhat convex,
even on an established clump. 3. While most S&S sports emerge
chartreuse and then gradually express a colored edge, SCL expresses the
gold edge immediately.
Established clumps here measure about
40” across with a distinct mounded effect. Mature leaf measurement
here is about 8” x 11”. We can recommend ‘SUMMA
CUM LAUDE’ without hesitation. A good grower and very well behaved,
it makes a fine garden specimen. Several large singles available.
Price:
$50.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
'SUN CHARIOT'
|
2023 Hosta
Introduction
SUN
CHARIOT
(STREETS OF GOLD x SUNNY
SMILES)
Our STREETS OF GOLD has proven to be an excellent parent of golden kids
and our introduction of SUN CHARIOT for 2023 is a case in
point. We watched this gold
seedling grow over the last 8 years and became more impressed with it in each passing season.
The mother clump was 5’ in diameter before we made divisions. Clump forms a rather flat topped,
spreading mound. Growth is
average with new plantings settling and establishing readily. Leaves measure about 9” x
7”.
As the pictures indicate, SUN CHARIOT foliage is puckered/rugose
and substance is very heavy even on young
plants. The gold color
expression intensifies during the season and holds well through fall. Here we grow S.C. where she
receives a good deal of sun for best color expression. Sun resistance is strong, likely
coming from the parentage of Tompkins’ SUNNY SMILES.
In regard to hybridizing potential we have
several gold seedlings that we like and are considering for introduction in
the future. If you are a
hybridizer, we suggest using SUN CHARIOT with our PALE MOON
RISING. This has produced some
intriguing kids.
We are very happy with this 2023 hosta
introduction. She makes a
stellar, bright flash in our plantings.
Price: $75.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Tiffany Tune'
|
Hosta 'Tiffany Tune'
This glowing hosta
is a melody of fine qualities: Color, sheen, form
and grace. Emerging midspring in glowing, creamy, chartreuse hues, the
color changes gradually through the course of the season to that of a
burnished golden chartreuse. One of its most appealing assets is the
glowing sheen evidenced throughout the season. It reminds us of the
beautiful tiffany finish of fine porcelain. Ultimately attaining a
pleasing, semi-pendent mound of about 22" across and 16" high.
Petioles have a distinctive pink midrib. The
form is another matter which is pleasing to the eye. The elongated,
semi-lanceolate leaves with their softly rounded ends rise from the center
of the clump and then, ever so gracefully, arch gently downward. As with
most hostas of this color, it is at its best
given early morning sun, followed by dappled, high
shade.
A mature clump is a matter of distinctive
grace and elegance. Very well received last year. For the hybridizer,
'Tiffany Tune' produces a high percentage of golds
in a variety of hues. A great
companion for ferns and woodland plants
Price: $40.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Twilight Shimmer'
(Dark Treasure
x Lakeport Blue sdlg )
|
Hosta 'Twilight Shimmer'
(Dark Treasure x Lakeport Blue
sdlg)
With the large number of admittedly rather common
“green” hostas on the market, any
future registrations and introductions need to show a good reason. Like its pod parent, Dark Treasure,
our introduction of Twilight Shimmer has evidenced these distinctives.
After growing this seedling on through several seasons and being nearly
wiped out by voles a few years ago, we thought the time had come once we again had good stock.
So, what’s distinctive about Twilight
Shimmer? As to clump form we have a nicely rounded mound. As to leaf form, we
have definite ventricular expression.
But these matters are not distinctive in and of themselves. The distinction is noted in the two
pictures here. Very few hostas (and fewer still greens) have this sort of
glossy sheen. While there are a number of more
glossy hostas, the majority of these tend to have
thin substance. Thankfully, T.S. has good substance.
We have T.S. planted in an area of dappled shade close
to a path where it shines during the day, but the real allure comes toward
dusk when the shine turns to an enticing shimmer. The other matter of distinction is
that of bloom. Bloom expression
is that of pure white blossoms on elongated scapes. On some colder evenings, the bloom
will sometimes have the palest undertone of lavender.
As a solid green, Twilight Shimmer establishes readily
and quickly forms a clump about 36” across and 20” tall. Leaves are about 7” x
6”. We recommend planting
in a more shady site for best color effect, and
perhaps along a path or other frequented site where you can enjoy the
shimmer and white blooms.
Nice large plants as we have good stock again and are
keeping the price very reasonable for a new introduction.
Price: $35.00 (NET--not subject to
discount)
|
|
'Wings To Fly'
(‘Piedmont
Gold’ x Unnamed Tompkins’ Seedling)
|
Hosta 'Wings To Fly'
Pictured here you will find our ‘Wings
To Fly’ hosta
introduction for this season. Selected from several medium/small yellow
seedlings well over 10 years ago, this one always caught our eye for
several reasons:
1. Its striking, clean,
creamy gold spring expression,
2. Undulating leaf form and
perfect “lay”,
3. Vigorous growth,
4. Bloom expression.
Furthermore, its name fits the fact that on
young clumps in particular ‘Wings To
Fly’ often sports large vestigial leaves held at right angles to the
stem—as though ready to take flight.
The color hue is a perfect contrast for
powdery blues. Established clump size is about
20” by 12”. Leaves approximately 6” by 2.5”. Best
with some morning light and high shade thereafter. Pod fertile and
prepotent for smaller yellow/gold kids.
A personal favorite in this color range and
size!
Price:
$40.00 (NET--not subject to discount)
|
|
|
NGP Home
|