A collection of hostas suitable for cultivation in Lithuanian conditions, representing the main classification groups, and hostas species and varieties reflecting the biological diversity of the genus and the achievements of breeding development.
Hosta are one of the most spectacular perennial foliage plants for shady gardens: undemanding, long-lived, it can grow for more than 10 years in one place, with an excellent habit of shrubs and magnificent foliage. The genus was named in 1812 by the Austrian botanist L. Trattinnick after the Austrian physician, chemist, and botanist N. T. Host (1761-1834). Incidentally, older descriptions of the genus also mention another name for the genus, 'Funkia', which was given by the German botanist K. Sprengel in 1817 to commemorate the memory of H. Funk. Currently, the hostas (Hosta Tratt.) is classified in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The genus comprises 22 species, distributed in the temperate zone of East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Far East). Some of the hostas formerly described as species are now regarded as varieties, e.g. 'Decorata', 'Fortunei', etc.
VU Botanical Garden aims to build up a collection of hostas that reflects the biodiversity of the genus and the evolution of breeding.
Hostas have been grown in gardens in East Asian countries for centuries. Chinese written records mention them as early as 206 BC. Incidentally, in Asian countries, the shoots, and young leaves of the Hosta glauca are eaten. In the extant plant lists of Steponas Batoras University Botanical Garden (now the Vingis Department of Vilnius University Botanical Garden), compiled by K. Proszinski, who served as the garden's inspector from 1919 to 1936, it is believed that the following these plants were cultivated in the Systematic Department: Funkia elegans Spr., Funkia minor Spr., Funkia ovata Spr., Funkia sieboldii Sims. and Funkia tenuifolia Spr.
Thousands of varieties have been developed by cross-breeding between different species of hostas, as well as by selective breeding, which differ not only in the size of the bushes or in the shapes, colors and scents of the blossoms, but also in the shape, texture and shades of the leaves. The Hosta Register is coordinated by the American Hosta Society. The hostas are classified according to size (5 sections, where I is Giant, growing over 72 cm, and V is Miniature, growing up to 15 cm) and color (8 classes).
Hostas are grouped into 8 color classes:
1 – Green (All Shades).
2 – Blue (All Shades).
3 – Yellow (All Shades).
4 – White Margined:
a) Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center;
b) Green to Blue Center.
5 – Yellow Margined:
Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center;
Green to Blue Center.
6 – Green or Blue Margined:
a) Yellow, White, or Chartreuse Center;
b) Green to Blue Center (distinct from margin color)
7 – Streaked or Mottled
8 – Others (including early season variants)
In 1996, the American Hosta Growers Association (AHGA) established the Hosta of the Year award. Only one variety is selected each year for this award. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the United Kingdom also awards the varieties. VU Botanic Garden collection aims to collect not only varieties from different classification groups, but also varieties that have received awards.
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Hosta 'Sagae' (II-5b) Originator: E. Hagiwara, 1987 Registrant: K. Watanabe/AHS Plant size: large. Large blue-green leaves are waxy and have creamy to yellow edges. They are slightly wavy. The flowers are whitish-lilac. AHGA Hosta of the Year 2000 |
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Hosta 'Francee' (III-4b) Registrant: M. Klopping & AHS, 1986. Plant size: medium. Reaches a height of about 50 cm. Leaves green center and narrow creamy white to white border. One of the latest flowering varieties. The flowers are pale lilac. Sport of 'Fortunei'. Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. |
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Hosta 'Paradigm' (II-6b) Plant size: large. Leaves light green center with dark green border. They are slightly corrugated. Inflorescence dense, the flowers whitish-lilac. Sport of 'Abiqua Recluse'. AHGA Hosta of the Year 2007. |
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Hosta plantaginea (III-1) Native to China, Japan, and Korea. Plant size: medium. One of the most fragrant species. Grows up to 70 cm high. Leaves are glossy, light green, broadly ovate. The flowers are white, large (up to 5cm across). Recipient of the prestigious Award of the Royal Horticultural Society. |
