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Hosta is a genus of about 23–40 species of lily-like plants in the family Agavaceae, native to northeast Asia. The scientific name is also used as the common name; in the past they were also sometimes called the Plantain lily, but the term is now obsolete. The Japanese name Giboshi is also used in English to a small extent. The rejected generic name Funkia, also used as a common name, can be found in some older literature. Taxonomists differ on the number of species; as such, the list at the right may be taken loosely. The genus may be broadly divided into three subgenera. Interspecific hybridization is generally possible, as all species have the same chromosome number (2n = 2x = 60) with the exception of H. ventricosa, a natural tetraploid that sets seed through apomixis. Many varieties formerly described as species have been taxonomically reduced to cultivar status, while retaining Latin names resembling species (e.g. H. 'Fortunei').
They are herbaceous perennial plants, growing from corms or rhizomes, with broad lanceolate or ovate leaves varying widely in size by species from 3–40 cm long and 2–30 cm broad. Variation among the numerous cultivars is even greater, with clumps ranging from less than 10 cm across to more than 2 m across. Leaf color in wild species is typically green, although some species (e.g. H. sieboldiana) are known for a glaucous waxy leaf coating that gives a blue appearance to the leaf. Natural mutations (sports) of native species are known with yellow-green ("gold") colored leaves or with leaf variegation (either white/cream or yellowish edges or centers).
The flowers are produced on an erect panicle up to 80 cm tall; the individual flowers are usually pendulous, 2–5 cm long, with six tepals, white, lavender, or violet in colour and usually scentless. The only strongly fragrant species is Hosta plantaginea, which is also unusual in that the flowers open in the evening and close by morning. This species blooms in late summer and is sometimes known as "August Lily".
More on [ Hosta ]
Wildflower seeding in the fall can pay off later
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Buying good seeds and sowing now could lead to a spring outburst. But this breed is different from garden varieties, so watch the watering and the weeds. IN NO INSTANCE is the California gardener more richly rewarded than with the autumn planting of wildflower seeds. Buy them now, sow them between Halloween and Christmas, and spring will be marked by a tumbling succession of grace notes.
Fingerprint-scan deadbolt can eliminate need for keys
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
You enter your home after the high-tech gizmo reads your fingerprints. In other words, you can never lock yourself out again, in theory anyway. YOU KNOW, people don't take enough time to sit outside alone and just think. Listen to the birds. Feel the wind on their faces. Wonder when their spouses are coming home to unlock the door.
Christopher Lloyd lists Montecito home at $3.6 million
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The 'Back to the Future' actor's 2,514-square-foot home is near the city's lower village and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Actor Christopher Lloyd is just one of those guys who you know would be a hoot to meet at a cocktail party. The three-time Emmy-winning Lloyd has tons of movie, TV and stage credits -- typically playing oddball characters. You likely know him as the eccentric Emmett "Doc" Brown in the "Back to the Future" franchise, but to me, he'll always be Taber in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). (Gee, was Jack Nicholson in that movie too?)
American Hosta Growers Association - Trade organization for nurseries that specialize in the growth and sale of the genus Hosta.
Dividing Hosta - Instructions for separating plants. Illustrated with photographs.
Meta Description: [ Instructions for dividing Hosta, illustrated with photographs. ]
Fragrant Hostas - Article on fragrant varieties Tony Avent.
Fraternal Order of Seedy Fellows - Select hybridizers group furnishes images of new hosta introductions.
Meta Description: [ Fraternal Order of the Seedy Fellows; hosta hybridizers group, the new generation of hostas. ]
Giboshi Arekore - Private collector offers culture tips, species photographs and a guide to hosta names. [English, Japanese]
Meta Description: [ An opening page to Giboshi arekore, Mikky's Home Page about Hostas. ]
Giboshi.com - Searchable database of hosta cultivars.
Meta Description: [ Hosta cultivars organized. ]
Growing Hostas - Culture information from the Ohio State University Extension.
Hints on Successful Tissue Culture Propagation of Hosta - Charles Tuttle describes method of producing these plants by tissue culture. Includes photographs.
Meta Description: [ Plant Cell Technology, Inc. has developed a new biocide that reduces or prevents contamination in plant tissue cultures ]
Hosta Has Much to Recommend It - Review from Rosie Lerner, Purdue University consumer horticulture specialist.
Hosta Library - Provides a reference library of photographs, searchable database, hybridizing instructions and screensavers.
Hostas Galore - Iowa collector provides links to related sites and vendors in addition to owner's plant list.
Houpt's Hosta Habit - Hosts a collection of photographs, plant descriptions and message board.
Meta Description: [ Hosta Garden ]
University of Vermont - Hosta - A listing of species and cultivars from Dr. Leonard Perry.
Meta Description: [ description, culture, species, cultivars ]
Warren Pollock on Hostas in North America - Addresses hybridizers, cultivation needs and offers plant recomendations.
Westside Hosta FAQ - Provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding care and growth.
| John Demetriou shows various hostas from the Demetriou Gardens that are just beginning to emerge, while we see various ... | |
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