![]() An additional common name for plants in this genus is plantain lily (foliage is somewhat plantain-like and flowers are somewhat lily-like in some species). Funkia remains a popular common name today in some areas. Specific epithet means having a swelling on one side. Hosta was finally reinstated as the genus name in 1905 by the International Botanical Congress. The genus was subsequently renamed in 1817 as Funkia in honor of botanist Heinrich Christian Funk under the belief at that time that Hosta was an invalid name. Genus name honors Austrian botanist Nicholas Thomas Host (1761-1834) and was first established in 1812. Bell-shaped, purple to violet flowers bloom in late summer to early autumn on upright, leafy, burgundy-spotted, pale green scapes (32-38"). Leaves develop strong ribbing as they mature. Thin, smooth, shiny, cordate, broad-ovate, dark green leaves (9" by 8") have widely spaced veins, undulate margins and mucronate tips. It grows in a rounded mound to 22" tall spreading to 36" wide. Hosta ventricosa is a large, naturally occurring tetraploid hosta that is native to China and North Korea. Species plants can serve as pollen parents however. Species plants cannot be used in hybridization as seed parents because the seedlings are simply vegetative clones of the mother plant. Seeds are produced without fertilization by pseudogamous apomixis which is a form of vegetative reproduction known as agamospermy. Hosta ventricosa is one of the few hostas that will come true from seed. Division is usually easiest in early spring before the leaves unfurl. Divide plants as needed in spring or autumn. Water is best applied directly to the soil beneath the leaves. Plants perform best in rich, moist, organic soils, with a preference for consistent moisture during the growing season, but plants have tolerance for some dry shade once established. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. I am a recent transplant (7 years) to the South, so Id appreciate any tips from others growing hosta in. Use at least 1 gallon of water for each hosta. We have months of high 90s in the summer here. To fix the hosta leaf scorch, water as soon as the soil is more than an inch dry. I always assumed it was from sun scorch or they were simply melting in the heat. Elsewhere it is best in part shade (some morning sun). Some of hostas look like this every summer when it gets really hot. Tolerates full sun in cool summer climates. ![]() Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. ![]()
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