What's blooming 9-5-2013

Shrub Rose

Helianthus

Ligularia

Brown-eyed susan

Helenium

Hibiscus

Black-eyed susan

anemone

Morning Glory

Shade Plant of the Week - Astilboides tabularis

I obviously have an obsession with foliage, how else could you explain my hosta obsession?  So when I saw this plant in a catalog many years ago I was automatically drawn to it's very large circular shaped leaves, almost like green umbrellas.  I didn't even care if it bloomed, I knew it would make a great addition to my shade garden.  The leaves can measure 24 inches across, and the plant itself can grow 3-4 feet tall.  In mid summer, it also has white plume like flowers (much like and Astilbe).  If you decide to add this plant to your garden, make sure to give it lots of room!

Not the best pictures, but it's the very large circle leaf plant

Hosta of the Day - 'Jaz'

Hosta 'Jaz' has very glossy, greenish yellow leaves.  The leaves are very, very thick which makes this hosta very slug resistant.  Slugs prefer leaves that are thin and easy to eat, I guess they don't like to work for their dinner.  These leaves feel almost like they are made out of rubber.  It is a medium sized hosta with off white flowers in late fall.  It will definitely add a different texture to your hosta bed.  Pair this one with dark green or blue waxy hostas that will let it's glossy leaves shine.

Hosta 'Jaz' 2009

Hosta 'Jaz' 2011

Hosta of the Day - 'June'

If you ask any hosta lover to name their top 5 hostas, hosta 'June' is sure to be somewhere in their top 5.  What's not to love?  It is a strong growing hosta that looks beautiful no matter where you put it.  The unique thing about 'June' is that you can have more then one plant, and depending on the light they will look like two different plants.  The more light it receives, the more green in color it will appear.  The less light, the more blue in color it will appear.  Either way it's beautiful!  The leaves are blue with chartreuse centers that turn more towards gold as the growing season progresses.  Place this hosta somewhere near the front of the border, as it will draw lots of attention and it's medium in size.  It will look great paired with gold and/or light green hostas.

Hosta 'June' 2009

Hosta 'June' 2011

Hosta of the Day - 'Ginsu Knife'

I promised I would still present you with at least one hosta this week.  Today's hosta has great twisting leaves.  Hosta 'Ginsu Knife' has a mounding habit with twisting leaves of green with white borders.  Some say it has fragrant flowers, but for some reason the flowers on mine seem to have no smell to them whatsoever.  I thought that mine was not showing off it's true beauty being planted in the ground.  It just seemed to lay on top of itself too much.  So this past summer I decided to find a container to plant it in.  I wanted something so that the leaves could cascade over the sides.  In fall I move the container to the north side of my house where it will receive the least amount on sun.  I then lay the container on it's side and face the opening towards my house, so that the least amount of moisture can get into the container.  This helps protect it from the freezing and thawing that often happens over a Midwest winter.  Then in spring I move the container back out into the sun and enjoy it all summer long.

Hosta 'Ginsu Knife' 2009

Hosta 'Ginsu Knife' 2011

Hosta 'Ginsu Knife' right after being replanted into a container

2011 Midwest Hosta Convention

Just a reminder that the 2011 Midwest Hosta Convention is just around the corner.  The Wisconsin Hosta Society will be the host club this year, and the convention will take place in Madison, WI on July 7, 8, and 9th.

If you love hostas, this is a great opportunity to meet others who have the same passion.  I love conventions because I can tour other hosta gardens and get ideas.  It also gives me a chance to see mature hostas, and see hostas that are new to me.  So if you go, make sure to bring something to write with, as you will be writing down lots of hosta names.  I try to make sure nameplates of the hostas are somewhere in all of the pictures.  I also love conventions, because vendors bring their best stock and some plants you might not find anywhere else.

I contacted the Wisconsin Hosta Society about the pricing for the convention.  They said that decided to keep the price of the convention at $144, so there is no penalty for registering late.  They have also added Saturday only registration for $75.  The $75 includes: a light breakfast at the hotel, a bus ride to the five featured garden tours plus a box lunch, the convention auction and the banquet dinner.   So that's a great deal!  Just make sure to write on top of your registration form Saturday Only, if you decide to take advantage of the deal.


The vendor area will be open to the public Friday and Saturday, as well as the leaf show on Friday.  So if you are just dipping your toes in the pool of hosta, that might be a great way to ease yourself into the hosta madness.


More Information and Registration Forms can be found on the Wisconsin Hosta Society Page.