Miniature Hostas

[maggiepie]

Mercy, 30?? no wonder you can't afford to move to BC! 

Sad but true, Maggi, that's what happens when you hang around hosta forums during the depths of winter.

 

[Lesley Cox]

Why did I dump my strawberry pots this summer 

Well why DID you?

[TheOnionMan]

If you like miniature hosta you might be interested in this: http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/05/09/miniature-small-hostas/.  It is my most popular blog post ever. ....  Carolyn

This link leads to a super article on the delightful miniature Hosta ... and shows how easy they are to use in all sorts of containers and so on.... some super varieties to tempt us, too!

Enjoy!

Yes, some really delightful little Hostas in that blog post, some lovely container plantings too.  Which brings me too the photo of Hosta 'Praying Hands' sited in an upright pot, setting off this odd hosta well I think, very surprised to learn that it was 2011 Hosta of the Year, such a break from traditional hosta styling. 

I don't want to disparage any cultivar, we'll just say it's definitely not my cup of tea, others might find its whimsical look an attraction.  I was at a large Garden Center late summer, browsing the mostly-empty benches of perennials; most hostas were totally cleared out, except this one; I suspect its curious irregularly rolled and twisted upright leaves are not as popular as those with lush thick rounded puckered leaves of great substance.  Looking at the plants (photos taken in the nursery), one might even think they were sick or virused; I don't think they are, but some people might get that impression.  Definitely not a big seller at this nursery.  Needless to say, I did not spring for the $15 price, as there were other plants to tempt me, but I'm thinking this is a hosta that might be intriguing in a garden planted among hardy cacti & succulents, for a bit of verticality without too much worry of a leafy canopy shading nearby plants.  I might come around to this cultivar after all

[Olga Bondareva]

Mark, Praying Hands is not miniature hosta but of course it is very unusual, impressive and remembering. I like it very much.


I am not passionate hosta fun but sometimes something incites me to buy some. One year mini were purchased.

Cameo


Corkscrew


Blue Mouse Ears & Tortifrons


Pistache


Little Maddie. I am not still sure I like it. 


Baby Bunting. One of my oldest hostas.


Blue Sliver


Think mini hostas are like pretty toys. Although I love them I prefer larger kinds.

[TheOnionMan]

Olga, your artful photos could make a toad look like a prince 

In your photo of 'Praying Hands' it does indeed look fine, not as twisted and contorted as the plants I showed on a nursery bench, although I think I reported correctly that most nursery customers didn't like it, judging from the fact it was the only Hosta left un-bought in large number.

'Cameo' is a tiny delight, 'Corkscrew' looks like a unique one, like a smaller 'Bride Groom' with those upturned twisty leaf tips, I like it.  I have to agree with 'Little Maddie', it has the appearance of a virused plant or one where aphids have sucked the leaves into distorted condition. 'Blue Silver' is wonderful!

[mark smyth]

Coming in very late here ... I must look for Pistach and Cameo

Most will probable shout virus at this Hosta. I've tried to find out but cant find any reference

Hosta Hyaga Vrajiro

[mark smyth]

Some of the Mouse Series

Frosted Mouse
Holy Mouse
Lucky Mouse
Mouse Trap
Snow Mouse

[mark smyth]

My favourite for the time being is Little Jay

Hosta with white variegation want no direct sun on their leaves

[Lesley Cox]

The only good mouse is a dead mouse.

[TheOnionMan]

Mark, I like thje mouse series.  You need one more, Hosta 'Mighty Mouse'.

[Paul T]

Mark,

I love the mouse series.  Here, they'd probably all morph into "snail eaten mouse" though. 

Olga,

Your pics from the 14th February are stunning.  I am assuming that "Blue Mouse" is the one on the left in the pic, in flower?  That is just gorgeous!!  I've rarely seen miniature Hosta here, but plants like that might just start me off.  If I can get the snails to leave them alone of course.   

[Olga Bondareva]

Thank you Paul. 
Our slugs do not like all hostas. They do not eat plants with solid leaves. My BME usually are safe.

[Lesley Cox]

Modern hostas are bred with very thick, waxy leaves which are unpalatable to slugs and snails.