Photo courtesy Chris Wilson, Hallson Gardens

problem solver

Hosta Virus X

IDENTIFICATION — Unusual hosta leaves, like the one in the photo, could be symptoms of hosta virus X (HVX), a disease that’s spread rapidly in recent years.

DAMAGE — Though the virus doesn’t kill plants, the pigment and texture of the leaves may be distorted. (Markings can be mottled or have an “ink-bleed” look.) The biggest threat is how quickly the virus spreads to other hosta plants.

CONTROL — Healthy plants are infected when their sap comes in contact with the sap of an infected plant. So sterilize pruners or spades with a 10-percent bleach solution between plants as a precaution. To avoid rusty tools, dry them off afterward. There’s no cure for HVX so destroy infected hostas. For more information, go to www.hostalibrary.org

‘revolution’ hosta
hosta hybrid

Flecks, streaks and marbling are out-of-the-ordinary markings for hostas, so it’s no surprise ‘Revolution’ is popular. This is a vigorous hosta that will come back year after year. (Some hostas with this type of variegation can be short-lived.)

Thick leaves form a nice upright mound with confettilike flecks on a creamy center. The flecks start out pale in spring but grow darker as the season progresses. Placing ‘Revolution’ where it gets morning sun will bring out the best leaf color, but in the South, full shade is your best bet. In spring, the variegation is complemented by pale lavender flowers.

TYPE Perennial SIZE 18 in. tall and 24 in. wide BLOOM Spring LIGHT Part shade (2 to 4 hours of shade) SOIL Well-drained PESTS Slugs, hosta virus X HARDINESS Cold: USDA zones 5 to 9; Heat: AHS zones 9 to 1

hosta ‘june’

You’ll never get bored with this beautiful hosta. Leaf centers are chartreuse in spring then change to a creamy yellow by summer. The color varies depending on the amount of light available — you’ll get the best color by growing ‘June’ in morning sun and afternoon shade. And those beautiful leaves are thick, so slugs go looking elsewhere for dinner. With its smaller size, ‘June’ is an excellent choice to grow in containers. And it’s quick to multiply, so you’ll be able to divide it into more plants.

TYPE Perennial SIZE 15 in. tall by 30 in. wide BLOOM White in midsummer
LIGHT 4 to 5 hours of shade SOIL Well drained PESTS Occasional slugs