Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Flowers and Foliage Now => Topic started by: mark smyth on August 06, 2010, 06:43:30 PM

Title: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 06, 2010, 06:43:30 PM: I've added a page on my web site to show my miniature Hosta collection
http://marksgardenplants.com/hostas.htm (http://marksgardenplants.com/hostas.htm)

A few photos are missing which I'll take them when the rain stops
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 06, 2010, 07:01:23 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on August 06, 2010, 06:43:30 PM
I've added a page on my web site to show my miniature Hosta collection
http://marksgardenplants.com/hostas.htm (http://marksgardenplants.com/hostas.htm)

A few photos are missing which I'll take them when the rain stops

"when the rain stops" ::) wish we had some of that here!

Mark, those are some dang cute miniature hosta, Cats Eye is sooOOOOO tiny!... love it! I also grow some of the small ones. Maybe I'll post some here, since you started the thread. :D
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: angie on August 06, 2010, 10:01:38 PM: Mark you have got yourself some beauties I liked Holy Mouse Ears and your Cats Eyes I have never seen one as tiny... one slug meal :o

Angie :)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 07, 2010, 10:06:33 AM: Mark, its been raining - drizzle to hard rain - for most about three weeks now

Angie, no slugs or snails in my troughs. I give them something else to eat. Something else has just started to eat the leaves whick means I must take action soon. Vine weevils!

The photos of plants in pots wil be replaced with them in the ground

Cats Eyes is sooooo cute and small enough to be a meal in one go for slugs and snails. I was told yesterday it's getting quite rare now
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Stephenb on August 07, 2010, 03:30:15 PM: Great selection, Mark! I had a friend near here who had a nice collection of these (she had them in the open garden). Not often you see them (I can't recall seeing them anywhere else actually).

I have Hosta minor (from seed), just coming into flower at the moment (pictures). I presume that these miniatures are derived from different species. Do you know which?
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 07, 2010, 04:10:44 PM: Stephen I dont know but I'll ask the grower over here. His collection is jaw dropping amazing

Many miniatures are sports from another selection. I'm not an expert but I think Holy Mouse ears, Frosted Mouse Ears and Snow Mouse Ears are sports from Blue Mouse Ears.

One of my plants Lakeside Elphin Fire has a reverse sport going back to the plant it came from. It was Hosta Tiny White Lines.

Tiny white lines is a hybrid between 'Sum and Substance' and H. venusta
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 07, 2010, 04:23:52 PM: Stephen your box of matches gave me a good idea
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 07, 2010, 11:14:35 PM: All these are really delightful I wish we could import them. We have H. minor and a little blue-leaved number called 'Dewdrop' (or 'Dewdrops') but I've not come across the others.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 08, 2010, 12:20:19 AM: Why are they banned?
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 08, 2010, 08:18:40 PM: I've was asked to add names to the individual pictures of the Hosta gallery. It's done.
http://marksgardenplants.com/hostacomparison.htm (http://marksgardenplants.com/hostacomparison.htm)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 09, 2010, 12:18:05 AM: They are not banned Mark and I think at least one North Island nursery does import, mainly from the USA. But in the first place, all plants coming in must have a species name as well as the generic, and it must be pretty hard to trace these back to the original species by now. As well, plants must come from a nursery (not private) source, the nursery has to be inspected 6 months prior to export to NZ and cleared of an enormous list of pests, diseases etc and then there are all the pre-export requirements of inspection of bare-rooted plants, phyto certs, etc etc and further inspections and quarantine when they get here. The costs are astronomical, even if any nursery wanted to go through all those hassles just to export a few plants to NZ. Lets face it, we're not the biggest market in the world. So while we can still bring in many (not all) seeds) we just can't do plants. >:( :'( >:(
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 09, 2010, 12:21:49 AM: You seem to have missed one Mark, the one immediately under 'Green with Envy.'
I used to have a lovely yellow dwarf called 'Kabitan' but recent drought years have sent it to Heaven. There are one or two others from your gallery here as well, like 'Alan P' McConnell' but I don't think that's REALLY very dwarf. ( I have it as Allen)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 09, 2010, 09:44:12 AM: Thanks Lesley, the link has been fixed

In Plant Finder it has Allan P.

I could have sent you seeds from all my miniatures but I cut off all the seed heads
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 09, 2010, 07:48:57 PM: Quote from: Lesley Cox on August 09, 2010, 12:21:49 AM
You seem to have missed one Mark, the one immediately under 'Green with Envy.'
I used to have a lovely yellow dwarf called 'Kabitan' but recent drought years have sent it to Heaven. There are one or two others from your gallery here as well, like 'Alan P' McConnell' but I don't think that's REALLY very dwarf. ( I have it as Allen)

For only a brief period, while a young fellow in my early twenties, I played around with Hosta hybridization, primarily interested in the dwarf ones. One I was working with was Hosta 'Kabitan'. Out of those brief efforts, I retain just one hybrid selection to this day, this is the original plant 34 years hence. I never named it formerly, figuring there are already so dang many Hosta hybrids, after all, hosta and daylily hybridization is practically a national pastime here in the USA. But I did nickname it for my wife, thus it is Hosta 'Sukey'. I particularly like the undulate edges to the veined leaves and fountain like growth.

The hybrid is much bigger than the dwarf 'Kabitan'. It is all lemon-gold in spring, holding that color all through spring and into summer. But more than just gold, it actually has white blends in the leaves, giving it an ethereal appearance. My older camera was better able to capture the lemon and white color (photo 1) taken later in the season (June) where the colors were lightening up, whereas the camera I now share with my daughter darkens the yellow color making it look a tad more intense than it really is (photos 2-5), these photos taken earlier when the color was indeed more intense. In some years the color is stronger than in other years, and with our exceptionally early spring and warm temps, this Hosta was very bright this year... even my wife noticed it ::) She asked about the pretty yellow plant, and I told her (once again) that it was a Hosta that I named for her, and she was pleased.

The darker green Hosta on the left with upturned leaf tips is H. 'Bridegroom', and the dwarf gray-green cream-edged Hosta in the foreground is 'Little Wonder'.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 09, 2010, 08:15:10 PM: very nice Mark.

Kabitan is one of the one on my wants list
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 09, 2010, 11:06:41 PM: I'm not surprised you wife was pleased with that one Mark. What a stunning colour and lovely curvaceous form. :) I love the way the golds light up dark corners so well and seem quite startling. Considering how many hostas are almost identical to so many others, I think I'd be naming this one. I've not seen anything like it or so fine in pure golds.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 10, 2010, 02:58:44 PM: A few newer additions to my miniature hosta collection, the first 3 received last summer, the last one from a friend a few years ago. I believe the first two are new cultivars, with patent pending.

Mighty Mouse - named after the cartoon superhero mouse popular back in the 1940s-1960s. A real favorite of mine (hosta, that is).
Pureheart - the inverse coloration of Mighty Mouse, named for Pearl Pureheart, Might Mouse's girlfriend.
Little Treasure - don't know much about this one, nice striped lanceolate leaves
Island Charm - very small and slow growing, nearly all white. Very expensive here, glad to receive this from a friend.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 10, 2010, 03:25:25 PM: Island Charm and Pure heart are very nice. I must add them to the wants list ::)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 10, 2010, 05:44:51 PM: a few more:

Partially seen in the photos of Hosta 'Sukey' I posted earlier, is the dwarf H. 'Little Wonder', here are two more photos of that one. I like it because it is very low and densely leafed. Photo 1: early in the season, the leaf edges are chartreuse, the edges changing over to white by summer in Photo 2. A real good clumper.

Photo 3 is 'Wet Bikini'. Slow growing (too slow, I'm not impressed with it yet), very compact glossy green pointed leaves. Maybe eventually it'll build upon into a respectable clump.

Photo 4 is an overhead view with three plants labeled 1-3. If you cross H. 'Bridegroom' (#1) with 'Wet Bikini' (#2), you get 'Little Wonder' (#3) ;D ;D ;D The yellow one is H. 'Sukey' again, and the small green ones on the lower left are H. 'Tiny Tears', looking like a small H. venusta type.

Photo 5 - Hosta 'Tiny Tears' in flower. Last summer I separated the clump into lots of divisions.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 10, 2010, 06:28:45 PM: My brother calls his wife Sukey
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 10, 2010, 08:12:50 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on August 10, 2010, 06:28:45 PM
My brother calls his wife Sukey

It's an uncommon name, although found in some English nursery rhymes and a few popular songs, like Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin, where a character named Sukey Tawdry is mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qrjtr_uFac
... and that last line :o "now that Maggi's back in town... look out ol' Maggi is back!"
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Graham Catlow on August 10, 2010, 09:42:15 PM: Nice selections Mark and McMark.
I have a small collection of Miniatures and an extended selection up to very large, but like many others things it could easily become an obsession, so I have to be careful.

McMark I particularly like Mighty Mouse and Wet Bikini. I think that Wet Bikini will look really good in a few years time. It seems quite different. Blue Mouse Ears (see photo) is a slow grower and seems to have a similar growth pattern.
I googled Hosta Wet Bikini to see if it was available over here, and came up with a lot of web sites not associated with Hostas ;)
Couldn't find it though.

Some of mine
Graham

Thumb Nail
Paradise Puppet
Cherish
Hope
Pandora's Box
Blue Mouse Ears
H. venustus
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 10, 2010, 09:43:20 PM: Brilliant little gems Mark and Graham. :D
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 03:09:08 AM: Quote from: Graham Catlow on August 10, 2010, 09:42:15 PM
Nice selections Mark and McMark.
I have a small collection of Miniatures and an extended selection up to very large, but like many others things it could easily become an obsession, so I have to be careful.

McMark I particularly like Mighty Mouse and Wet Bikini. I think that Wet Bikini will look really good in a few years time. It seems quite different. Blue Mouse Ears (see photo) is a slow grower and seems to have a similar growth pattern.
I googled Hosta Wet Bikini to see if it was available over here, and came up with a lot of web sites not associated with Hostas ;)
Couldn't find it though.

Some of mine
Graham

Nice selection Graham, we seem to be on similar paths... I too could see Hosta becoming an obsession, so only allowed myself a small collection of the dwarf types, and a few selected mid-sized types. One needs lots of room, and much more shade that I have available, for the big monster Hosta such as Sum and Substance, Big Momma, and those giant puckered-leaf beauties.

Blue Mouse Ears looks like a real winner... nice! And 'Pandora's Box', a must have in any miniature hosta collection. I like the small venusta types too, such as your 'Thumb Nail', no variegation, but really tiny leaves and proportionally short flower stems, such pleasing and accommodating little plants. Your H. venusta has noticeably undulate leaves... which I was led to believe is perhaps a venusta hybrid. I too have such a plant, I called it H. venusta "curly form"; it was almost wiped out by mole activity a few years ago, still have a tiny bit left, it looks similar to yours.

You have convinced me to keep an open mind regarding 'Wet Bikini', maybe it'll eventually bulk up into something more impressive. I have a similar thing from Collector's Nursery (closed as of last year) called 'Collector's Choice' I think, and it suffers from the same frustratingly slow increase (almost no increase at all).

Now, I'm off to google Hosta Wet Bikini for a few hours ;D :o :o But seriously, I'll ask my friend about this plant, she'll probably know the history behind it. Now, if only I could hybridize Wet Bikini and get some yellow speckling on the foliage, I would name it Hosta 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' ;D http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsy_Bitsy_Teenie_Weenie_Yellow_Polka_Dot_Bikini
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 01:24:10 PM: Gentlemen, I can see that I may be called to vouch for you with the authorities that you really were looking for horticultural information in your 'Wet Bikini' searches ::) ;D

I am very taken with the depth of colour in the flower of your last picture above, McMark. Very pretty.

Mark Smyth gave me the link to Bali Hai Nursery some time ag, but I resolutely did not follow it.....since then I have seen a few of these little types and with all the photos here I have been tempted. So this week I did look properly at that nursery link and have been sorely tried with the urge to order some of those little cuties. So far my resolve is firm..... :-X
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 01:33:12 PM: Maggi did you look at all or just miniatures?

Here is a link to his miniatures http://www.mailorderplants4me.com/catalog/33 (http://www.mailorderplants4me.com/catalog/33)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 01:53:16 PM: I looked at the various section titles but only looked through the minis properly...... well, and his ebay listings!
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 02:05:11 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 01:33:12 PM
Maggi did you look at all or just miniatures?

Here is a link to his miniatures http://www.mailorderplants4me.com/catalog/33 (http://www.mailorderplants4me.com/catalog/33)

Mark, some wonderful little hostas in that listing; almost too many... I feel the "collector's urge" coming on when I look through them all, easy to get hooked, wanting such things as Cat and Mouse, Bitsy Gold, Frosted Mouse Ears, and so many others. Must also show some resolve, I'm just window shopping :(
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 02:34:55 PM: a mystery hosta
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 02:46:07 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 01:24:10 PM

I am very taken with the depth of colour in the flower of your last picture above, McMark. Very pretty.

Here's a photo of what I called H. venusta "curly" (on the left), and it does have very good purple flower color; the Hosta on the right is one of several Hosta that Roy Davidson brought back from Japan, named "this Giboshi" and "that Giboshi", the word Giboshi apparently translating to "hosta". Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery sold these, as did George Schenk back in the 1970s, retaining what is probably the Japanese vernacular name of these imported plants and not indicative of what the plants really are.

In my photo on the right is the plant sold as H. 'Au-Fukurin Giboshi'. As compared to H. venusta on the left, it is a much larger plant, but always struck me as an excellent Hosta for the floral show (not something you can say about many hosta). A few years ago, both Hosta shown in this photo were devastated by mole tunneling and I lost most of each, but both hang on to life... must move them away from this location.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 04:01:18 PM: Quote from: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 02:34:55 PM
a mystery hosta

Really? Looks a lot like an onion to me.......... :-\
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 04:02:29 PM: Mark are your plants in dry soil. My wants list is kind of large.

Dont tell Angie she is only 14 miles from the Hosta nursery - if she comes in to Larne ;)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 04:15:18 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 04:01:18 PM
Quote from: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 02:34:55 PM
a mystery hosta

Really? Looks a lot like an onion to me.......... :-\

Sharp eyes Maggi. I grow this hosta-leaf allium in my bed of miniature hostas, always a good trick with visitors unfamiliar with such alliums.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 04:17:31 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 04:02:29 PM
Mark are your plants in dry soil. My wants list is kind of large.

Dont tell Angie she is only 14 miles from the Hosta nursery - if she comes in to Larne ;)

Yes, the soil is most definitely on the dry side. They'd probably do better with a more moisture-retentive soil.
If I only lived 14 miles from such a nursery, I'd put on a pair of running shoes and run over!
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 04:22:32 PM: Quote from: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 04:17:31 PM
Quote from: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 04:02:29 PM
Mark are your plants in dry soil. My wants list is kind of large.

Dont tell Angie she is only 14 miles from the Hosta nursery - if she comes in to Larne ;)

Yes, the soil is most definitely on the dry side. They'd probably do better with a more moisture-retentive soil.
If I only lived 14 miles from such a nursery, I'd put on a pair of running shoes and run over!

The moles must have a tough time in your area when the ground is so dry, McMark...that's one benefit of the drought for your plants, I suppose... less chance of disturbance?

Mark.... it is not only Angie who might be interested in where that nursery is..... is the only limit on plants carried across the sea the amount you can carry??!! ::)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on August 11, 2010, 04:32:05 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 04:22:32 PM

The moles must have a tough time in your area when the ground is so dry, McMark...that's one benefit of the drought for your plants, I suppose... less chance of disturbance?

That's the curious thing, I've never seen as much mole activity as this year, I frequently see these critters running around the yard and garden, in broad daylight. Maybe with such dryness, they have to work harder and tunnel more to find grubs and worms? That reminds me, must bait more tunnels with mole bait today.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 04:36:07 PM: How strange- I thought that with the surface being so dry the moles would be down really deep, out of the way of most herbaceous plant roots, trying to find some more moist soil where the worms and tasty snacks would be... :-\

We are fortunate not to have moles in our garden.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Graham Catlow on August 11, 2010, 09:27:12 PM: This thread moved on a pace since I last looked.

Mark – you even managed to get an Allium there and I would never have guessed that it was one. Well done Maggi!

Maggi you are fortunate to be able to just browse, if you visited somewhere that was selling them you would make a purchase, or two, or three, or four or……. :D

My venusta does indeed have wavey edges to its leaves but didn’t know that it perhaps shouldn’t – thanks Mark.

I was not aware that many hostas were in fact sports, I assumed they were all hybrids from seed. I learn so much from this forum.

I think the good thing about Hostas is that many do cope with drier conditions but all do better in damper areas. All my miniatures are in full sun but grow in moisture retentive compost.

Most of my Hostas have come from Mickfield Hostas and Bowdens Hostas.
http://www.mickfieldhostas.co.uk/
http://www.bowdenhostas.com/

Graham
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 09:34:12 PM: Quote
All my miniatures are in full sun
Yes, but as has often been said.... full sun in Scotland is the same as deep shade most other places!! ;)

Now excuse me, I'm off to do a little chanting....
I will not follow those links......I will not follow those links.....I will not follow those links.......I will not follow those links.......I will not follow those links
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Graham Catlow on August 11, 2010, 09:38:17 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 09:34:12 PM
Quote
All my miniatures are in full sun
Yes, but as has often been said.... full sun in Scotland is the same as deep shade most other places!! ;)

Now excuse me, I'm off to do a little chanting....
I will not follow those links......I will not follow those links.....I will not follow those links.......I will not follow those links.......I will not follow those links

;D ;D ;D ;D

I bet you have looked already :)
Graham
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 09:54:06 PM: Maggi I know someone who is going to the discussion weekend ;D, sadly not me, or I can get them for you and send them bare root
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 10:15:54 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on August 11, 2010, 09:54:06 PM
Maggi I know someone who is going to the discussion weekend ;D, sadly not me, or I can get them for you and send them bare root

That is very kind of you , Mark....but I must save my money for the Discussion Weekends and the 2011 Conference.
Meantime I have been given a very generous offer of baby "noses" of some types next year..... :) :) 8)
I am a very lucky person!
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 11, 2010, 10:50:31 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 01:24:10 PM

have been sorely tried with the urge to order some of those little cuties. So far my resolve is firm..... :-X
Nursery owners just HATE these words Maggi, along with "oh don't buy that, I'll give you a piece." ;D
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 10:53:36 PM: Quote from: Lesley Cox on August 11, 2010, 10:50:31 PM
Quote from: Maggi Young on August 11, 2010, 01:24:10 PM

have been sorely tried with the urge to order some of those little cuties. So far my resolve is firm..... :-X
Nursery owners just HATE these words Maggi, along with "oh don't buy that, I'll give you a piece." ;D

Oh, I know, Lesley... and I feel guilty, but , as you know, the income to this household is minimal and I must do what I must do..... :-[
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 11, 2010, 10:58:18 PM: I know the feeling, very well. >:( :'(
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Martin Baxendale on August 11, 2010, 11:19:10 PM: Quote from: Lesley Cox on August 11, 2010, 10:58:18 PM
I know the feeling, very well. >:( :'(

Me too. Falling books sales have forced me this year to chop up the vast majority of my best snowdrops, including all my best seedlings that had just started making good little clumps, as a 'plan B' insurance in case things don't pick up again and I need to start selling them in three or four years time. I won't see them flower again now for three years, whether I need them to sell later or not. Still, at least it forced me to chip some of my little clumps of my best seedlings so I'll have much bigger clumps later if plan B isn't needed just yet (probably will be one of these days though).
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 03:02:02 PM: Folks, this link was mentioned in another thread and it is just too good to miss.... so reposting here......

Quote from: mark smyth on February 06, 2012, 11:47:32 PM
I have all the Mouse/Mouses. Over here in N Iireland we a Hosta Specialist. I try not to visit too often

Quote from: Carolyn Walker on February 07, 2012, 01:50:55 PM
If you like miniature hosta you might be interested in this: http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/05/09/miniature-small-hostas/ (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!

http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/05/09/miniature-small-hostas/ (http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/05/09/miniature-small-hostas/).
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2012, 03:09:23 PM: Thanks Maggi
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 03:24:41 PM: Oh Maggi!!!!

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:01:39 PM: Quote from: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 03:24:41 PM
Oh Maggi!!!!

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I know, Helen, you, like me, are grieving Carolyn's lack of contact with real mouse ears..... :'(

What? ???

That's not it? Well look here... it may help..... http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2012-catalogue-a-to-z/2012-catalogue-hosta/
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 04:14:24 PM: Maggi, I only have a few tiny hostas.
They are so cute!!!
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:24:46 PM: Quote from: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 04:14:24 PM
Maggi, I only have a few tiny hostas.
They are so cute!!!

I was lucky enough to be given a wee selection of "tinies" by a kind forumist. I have them in a trough near my back door.
They have been plagued by slugs and snails and so were not the spectacle I'd hoped for last year.
THIS year I intend surrounding them with barbed wire, electric fences and setting a 24 hour armed guard on them to keep them unchewed.[attach=1]
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:29:12 PM: Hey, Helen...... Julie's got some too..... http://www.shadylanenursery.com/plantinfo/hostaA-F.html ;)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2012, 04:32:13 PM: Why did I dump my strawberry pots this summer ???
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 04:58:50 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:29:12 PM
Hey, Helen...... Julie's got some too..... http://www.shadylanenursery.com/plantinfo/hostaA-F.html ;)

Maggi, I did my hosta madness buying 2 years ago.
Bought 30 :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Carolyn Walker on February 07, 2012, 05:25:26 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:01:39 PM
Quote from: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 03:24:41 PM
Oh Maggi!!!!

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I know, Helen, you, like me, are grieving Carolyn's lack of contact with real mouse ears..... :'(

What? ???

That's not it? Well look here... it may help..... http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2012-catalogue-a-to-z/2012-catalogue-hosta/

Thanks for posting this Maggi. Now I am in big trouble, there is a miniature hosta thread on the forum!!! I won't get any work done. Next you will tell me that there is a hellebore thread. I am not sure I understand the comment about lack of contact with real mouse ears. Carolyn
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2012, 05:51:07 PM: Did someone say Hellebore thread?
http://www.srgc.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=8201.0 (http://www.srgc.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=8201.0)

Edit by Maggi: Thanks Mark.
Nearly a dozen threads with Hellebore in the title showing in a forum search ;) 8)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 06:08:20 PM: Quote from: Carolyn Walker on February 07, 2012, 05:25:26 PM

Thanks for posting this Maggi. Now I am in big trouble, there is a miniature hosta thread on the forum!!! I won't get any work done. Next you will tell me that there is a hellebore thread. I am not sure I understand the comment about lack of contact with real mouse ears. Carolyn

In that article/blog you wrote :" ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is the miniature hosta that started the mouse ears family. Not only is it shaped like a mouse ear, but it feels like one too (all in my imagination because I have never felt a mouse ear)"

There's often a clue....... ;)

and mouse ears do feel rather nice.....
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 06:12:03 PM: Quote from: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 04:58:50 PM
Quote from: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 04:29:12 PM
Hey, Helen...... Julie's got some too..... http://www.shadylanenursery.com/plantinfo/hostaA-F.html ;)

Maggi, I did my hosta madness buying 2 years ago.
Bought 30 :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[

Mercy, 30?? no wonder you can't afford to move to BC! ;)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Graham Catlow on February 07, 2012, 06:25:50 PM: Oh my :o
I may be some time looking through this web-site.

Snowdrops for those of that persuasion
http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2012/01/19/new-snowdrops-for-2012/

Hellibores for others

http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2012/01/11/january-gbbd-hellebores-on-parade/
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: maggiepie on February 07, 2012, 06:28:31 PM: Quote from: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 06:12:03 PM

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.

:)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 07, 2012, 08:03:35 PM: Quote from: mark smyth on February 07, 2012, 04:32:13 PM
Why did I dump my strawberry pots this summer ???

Well why DID you? ???
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on February 11, 2012, 12:59:48 AM: Quote from: Maggi Young on February 07, 2012, 03:02:02 PM

Quote from: Carolyn Walker on February 07, 2012, 01:50:55 PM
If you like miniature hosta you might be interested in this: http://carolynsshadegardens.com/2011/05/09/miniature-small-hostas/ (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 ;)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Olga Bondareva on February 14, 2012, 05:15:00 AM: Mark, Praying Hands is not miniature hosta but of course it is very unusual, impressive and remembering. I like it very much.
(http://cs302809.vk.com/u6450879/152782024/y_e7a0d8fe.jpg)

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

Cameo
(http://cs4164.vk.com/u6450879/31156622/x_d873bd64.jpg)

Corkscrew
(http://cs10384.vk.com/u6450879/31156622/y_078da107.jpg)

Blue Mouse Ears & Tortifrons
(http://cs10384.vk.com/u6450879/31156622/y_fc09b20e.jpg)

Pistache
(http://cs10384.vk.com/u6450879/31156622/y_0ba9868b.jpg)

Little Maddie. I am not still sure I like it. ???
(http://cs10384.vk.com/u6450879/31156622/y_d760bad5.jpg)

Baby Bunting. One of my oldest hostas.
(http://cs303801.vk.com/u6450879/152782024/y_d18e011d.jpg)

Blue Sliver
(http://cs303801.vk.com/u6450879/152782024/y_d4ed5160.jpg)

Think mini hostas are like pretty toys. Although I love them I prefer larger kinds.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on February 15, 2012, 03:11:00 AM: 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!
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on May 09, 2012, 11:20:47 PM: 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
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on May 09, 2012, 11:26:56 PM: Some of the Mouse Series

Frosted Mouse
Holy Mouse
Lucky Mouse
Mouse Trap
Snow Mouse
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: mark smyth on May 09, 2012, 11:31:30 PM: My favourite for the time being is Little Jay

Hosta with white variegation want no direct sun on their leaves
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 09, 2012, 11:46:17 PM: The only good mouse is a dead mouse. :)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: TheOnionMan on May 09, 2012, 11:53:52 PM: Mark, I like thje mouse series. You need one more, Hosta 'Mighty Mouse'.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Paul T on May 10, 2012, 03:50:15 AM: 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. ::)
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Olga Bondareva on May 13, 2012, 07:19:43 PM: Thank you Paul. :)
Our slugs do not like all hostas. They do not eat plants with solid leaves. My BME usually are safe.
Title: Re: Miniature Hostas
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 14, 2012, 12:31:43 AM: Modern hostas are bred with very thick, waxy leaves which are unpalatable to slugs and snails.