45 species / 3,000 cultivars

 Photos by Barry Wallace

HOSTAS
a.k.a. Plantain Lily, Giboshi and Funkia

There are approximately 45 species of hosta and hybridization has produced over 3,000 registered and named cultivars.   Hostas are toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to saponius contained in the plant, which leads to vomiting and diarrhea, and yet deer, rabbits, voles, slugs and snails all consume hostas.   The only strongly scented species is Hosta plantaginea which has long white flowers which open at dusk and close at dawn.   The species blooms in late summer and is known sometimes as "August Lily".   This single species has a reputation among some gardeners as very difficult to get into bloom.   Pictured here are some of the hostas in our Forde Crescent garden in King City. 

 

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Barry Wallace