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November 1999
Hosta & Ornamental Grass Enthusiasts Newsletter
AAA Ornamentals @ http://www.hostas.com
Vol. 2, No. 5, November, 1999
What's New on our Web-Site?
Don't forget to take advantage of our hosta and grass sales by the FLAT! I have removed the 50% deposit requirement for gardeners wanting to purchase 1-4 flats. 5 or more flats will require a 30% deposit because of the larger dollar amount involved if the order is cancelled without informing me.
We now have gift certificates available for that hard to buy someone on your gift list.
By December, I should have about 180 more images available on the web-site MOSTLY catering to ornamental grasses. Grasses have been growing in
immense popularity and I want you all to get the best possible view of these beauties! Next newsletter will list the new images for easy
perusal.
What's Been Growing
October has been busy installing improvements in our greenhouse. These are all serving the purpose of producing the highest quality spring delivered plant.
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Hardware installed to completely roll up one complete side of the greenhouse for warm weather ventilation.
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Circulation fans installed to mix the air to increase floor temperature and produce air movement for plant health.
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80 feet of hanging shelving installed so that all ornamental grasses can be started in the greenhouse earlier without having to rely on unpredictable warm spring days in April in a protected covered area. All grasses will be in the heated greenhouse this coming spring which will increase dramatically the top foliage growth and root development.
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Hostas
I get a lot of comments like 'Boy, I wish there was a hosta without flowers! I cut them back before they bloom.' Take a look at this picture <<<image>>>. It is the SECOND bloom of Hosta 'Guacamole'. It is extremely fragrant, of good substance and size. For those that don't appreciate the hosta flower, perhaps some of the great flowering
varieties will catch your fancy.
For Immediate Release: New brilliant yellow margined, white center hosta cultivated!!! See image.
Naaaa! But boy do I wish. Actually, the picture is the FALL coloration of Hosta 'Night Before Christmas'. Not all hostas exhibit such a tremendous fall transition, but for those that do, it really transforms your garden for a while. Does anyone have a
favorite fall colored hosta??
Grasses
How many of you ornamental grass gardeners took careful look at the ornamental grass inflorescence (plumes) transition from the time they just emerge to when they are drying their seed heads?? Cultivars with colored inflorescence are often very dramatic in this regard. Miscanthus sin. 'Gracillimus', 'Puenktchen', 'Malepartus' with their burgundy color are good examples. Here is the transition in general terms:
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The inflorescence branches first emerge almost pencil lead thin.
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The inflorescence flowers giving rise to the anthers full of pollen.
Sometimes a shaking will unveil a cloud of pollen.
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The 'fuzz' develops giving the plume exceptional beauty with their translucency. Being back or side
lit makes them shine like a beacon in the heavens.
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As the seeds dry into maturity, the plumes reveal the sought after snowy translucency. The season of wait for this display is now over. Enjoy!
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Finally, as the seeds are dispersed the snowy look slowly disappears.
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The winter winds finish off the plumes leaving a skeleton like look of the remaining inflorescence branches.
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So, quick, go out and take a grand look. You may want at this time to cut some plumes to put in your houses to enjoy this great look all winter long.
Hosta Pick of the Month
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Formal Name: Hosta 'Guacamole'
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Pronounced: N/A
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Picture: http://www.hostas.com/images/hostas/venuvarg.jpg
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Incorrect Names: Hosta venusta variegated
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Comments: I divided my 6 year old plant this spring out of necessity! A dandelion had entrenched itself in the middle of the plant and was choking the hosta. This proves just how small this plant is. The slight curling of the leaf margins adds real charm this dainty splash of light. The white holds true all summer long.
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Description: Very attractive cream center with two-tone green margins. Forms masses of tiny plants making it a good plant for containers. Very effective with 'blues' in shade areas. Lavender flowers in midsummer. The 'books' say that this variety tolerates up to 3/4 sun, but with thin leaves I would not push it past morning sun.
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Width/Height: 6x4 (Dwarf < 10), Leaf Size: 5x2.5 (Small (6-25 square in.))
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Color of Flowers: Medium, Funnel-shaped, Purple Striped, August
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Ornamental Grass Pick of the Month
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Formal Name: Pennisetum a. 'Hamlen'
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Family: Poaceae
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Common Name: Dwarf Fountain Grass
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Picture: http://www.hostas.com/images/grasses/miscanthus-sarabande.jpg
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Name Meaning: N/A
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Comments: This grass is becoming one of my favorites. The texture and habit of the foliage is similar to that of Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' but shorter and stiffer. Because Miscanthus varieties all have a white mid-rib down the leaf, it sometimes seems to be variegated because the leaf is so thin. A very handsome Miscanthus cultivar.
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Description: A selection that has been determined by German growers to be the best Miscanthus sinensis yet. Dark green, arching foliage is very fine textured. Leaf is about 3/16" wide. Bronze flowers appear late September. Similar texture to 'Gracillimus' but more reliable bloomer. The
inflorescence is held inside the foliage with very few extending about the foliage. Prefers moist soil but can tolerate wide range.
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Native: China and Japan
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Zone: 4
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Sun: Full to 1/2 sun
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Size: Leaf Blade (wxl): 3/16 x 36, Foliage (wxh): 60 x 72, Plume (hxlxw): 72 x 12.00 x 9.00
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Propagation: By Division
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Wisdom from the Garden
Fall, everything is just about asleep waiting for that spring wakeup call.
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