I try to accurately represent all of the names of plants according to the correct names that are current today. I will try to explain meanings of the different hosta plant names. Formats of a hosta name that you will see are listed. The capitalization is intentional and required.

Genus species

(or)

Genus species 'Cultivar'

(or)

Genus 'Cultivar'

Genus = A group of closely related plants comprising a subdivision of a plant family. In our case, Hosta.

Species = A group of closely related plants comprising a subdivision of a genus. Examples: Hosta plantaginea, Hosta nigrescens, Hosta tokudama.

Cultivar = A plant that originated in cultivation and is unknown as a wild (natural occuring) plant.

Hybridized = The intentional crossing of two different plants to create a new plant.

Examples:

Hosta plantaginea == a species, native to China, the "round-leaved jewel of the hairpin hosta".

Hosta plantaginea 'Aphrodite' == naturally occuring mutation, does not occur in the wild.

Hosta nigrescens == a species, native to Japan, the "black hosta".

Hosta nigrescens 'Elatior' == has no wild populations, considered a species known only in cultivation.

Hosta ventricosa == a species, native to China and northern Korea, the "dark purple(-flowered) hosta.

Hosta ventricosa 'Aureomaculata' == appeared as a mutation around 1856 in the garden of von Siebold, only in cultivation.

Hosta 'Little Aurora' == hybridized by Alden and registered in 1978, only in cultivation.

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' == hybridized by Alden and registered in 1979, only in cultivation.

Grasses

What do you call the 'fluffy stuff' atop ornamental grass in the late summer and fall? Plume (or) flower (or) inflorescense (or) that cool stuff! The accurate name is 'inflorescense' which means a group of flowers

Usually both male and female parts are found within the same blossom. Grasses rarely self-fertilize; they are usually sterile to their own pollen.

Each tiny individual FLOWER is held in a structure called a SPIKELET.

The SPIKELET can be attached to the main stem in three basic forms. The basis forms are names used to describe flowers of other perennials, they are not specific just to grasses.

o SPIKE form - SPIKELET attached to main stem with no branches. (Miscanthus, Pennisetum)

o RACEME form - SPIKELET is held on a branch directly to the main stem. (Glyceria, Cord Grass)

o PANICLE form - SPIKELET is held at the end nodes of branches directly attached to the main stem (tree like). (Panicum)

Other references on the net for pictures and explanations:

SPIKE: http://www.manhattan.edu/science/biology/plants_new/angio/spike.html

RACEME: http://www.manhattan.edu/science/biology/plants_new/angio/panicle.html

All three pictured: http://nepenthes.lycaeum.org/Plants/Images/inflorescence.jpg

Daylilies

The latin for daylily (HEMEROCALLIS) literally means 'Beauty for a Day'.

Hosta Pick of the Month

	Formal Name: Hosta 'September Sun'
	Pronounced: n/a
	Picture: http://www.hostas.com/images/hostas/septmsun.jpg
	Incorrect Names: n/a
	Comments: Plant is a variegated sport of H. 'August Moon' with yellow center and green margin. There is a high contrast between margin and center (not apparent in this picture unfortunately). This plant is a good example of the term "Lutescense". This means that the leaves appear at first green then turn to yellow. This picture is just catching the start of this change which happens early in the season. The dimpling on the leaves make for another eye catcher.
	Width/Height: (Plant 34x22)
	Color of Flowers: Medium, Bell-shaped, Pale Lavender.

Ornamental Grass Pick of the Month

	Formal Name: Spodiopogon sibiricus
	Family: Poaceae
	Common Name: Frost Grass, Silver Spikegrass, Silver Spikegrass
	Picture: http://www.hostas.com/images/grasses/spodiopogon-sibiricus.jpg
	Name Meaning: n/a
	Description/Comments: This grass has a stiff, erect appearance and grows in clumps. Admired for its interesting foliage, flower and fall color. The foliage is quite bold and develops a reddish purple tinge. The inflorescence is an airy panicle with shiny purple spikelets, appearing from July to September. Requires fertile, moist, well drained soil in full sun to part shade..
	Native: The origin of this particular variety is not known.
	Zone: 5
	Sun: Full sun to 1/2 shade.
	Size: Blade 1 x 13, Foliage 27 x 30, Plume 55 x 8.00 x 2.50
	Plume: Bloom time is early September.
	Propagation: By division.

Wisdom from the Garden

Make your own spring early - get a greenhouse!