Book References
Should you be in the market for a reference book on hostas or companion plants, we have listed a few of the more popular books with a brief description of their contents. If you have other books you would like to recommend for this page, please submit them through our Contact Us section on our navigation bar. Select the I have a Question/Thought and type the name of the book and the source in the comment box. Thanking you in advance for your help.
A Rookies Guide to Hostas, Hostas, Hostas
by Ralph Heiden Hostas are the Number 1 selling genus of perennials in the United States. Their popularity has grown steadily over the past three decades or so. There are now over 8,000 named cultivars of hostas and that number is climbing every year. For hosta collectors, this is an exciting fact. For the average backyard gardener, it can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration. The science surrounding hostas is being explored by scientists and pseudo-scientists which may lead to a better understanding...or just more confusion. This eBook is designed to be an introduction into the Who, What, When and Where of the genus, Hosta. Who introduced them into Europe and the U.S.? Who are the significant hybridizers, experts and "movers and shakers" of hostadom? What type of plants are hostas? What are the known species and where are new cultivars being created? What are the techniques used for propagating and multiplying hostas? What do I need to know to become a serious "hostaphile"? copyright 2013.
Field Guide to Hostas
by Mark Zilis In this Field Guide to Hostas Mark Zilis takes the mystery out of selecting, growing, breeding, and propagating hostas. Through photos, measurements, and comments he describes the 272 most important hostas in existence. This guide does not stop at describing varieties. It delves into topics of interest to hosta growers such as nomenclature, taxonomy, history, and hostas in the wild. All these features along with a thorough discussion of problems faced by hosta growers and the value of various trees, shrubs and companion plants make this a book that every serious shade gardener, hosta aficionado, and horticulturist should own. copyright 2014, 428 pages, A to Z Perennials Inc; ISBN-10: 0967944023, ISBN-13: 978-0967944029, 8.5 x 1 x 9.2 inches 
Hosta (Foliage Plants in Garden Design)
by Sandra Bond A practical guide to one of the most popular foliage plants. Illustrated throughout, the text provides advice on cultivating and situating hostas in a number of locations. Guidance on growth and usage is contained in a comprehensive plant directory. Sandra Bond is the owner of Goldbrook Plants a specialist hosta nursery in Suffolk, England. She is a garden designer and has won fourteen consecutive gold medals for her hostas displays at the famous Chelsea Flower Show. It is not surprising therefore that this beautiful little book concentrates not on a catalogue of the various hosta cultivars that were available when it was published in 1992 but on the use of hostas in garden design and their versatility as garden plants. There are also chapters on color in the garden, the cultivation of the genus and their use as container plants. Many designs for gardens and small flowerbeds featuring hostas are included and excellently illustrated and the chapter on cultivation contains a wealth of Sandra’s experience and horticultural knowledge. There is the obligatory chapter listing well known hosta cultivars where the reader will be pleased to find not a simple description taken from the registration papers but the observations of someone who has actually grown the plant in a variety of situations. Sadly this little gem is not longer in print, but fear not. It was republished in 1997 as part of a larger compendium “The Complete Guide to Foliage Planting” (ISBN 0 7063 7581 5) which includes the other books in the original series covering Grasses, Bamboos, Hardy Ferns and large leaved Perennials. copyright 1997, Ward Lock, London, England, ISBN 0 7063 7060 0 
Hostas
by Rosemary Barrett, photography by Derek Hughes Hostas is the definitive guide to the popular hardy perennial that gardeners have come to rely upon and enjoy. Favored for their beauty and longevity, these shade-loving, low-maintenance plants bear foliage in all manner of shape, size and texture and in colors ranging from steel blue, tonal greens and yellows to multi-colored. Their long-blooming, aromatic flowers come in variations of white, pale lavender and blue-purple The growing season for hostas stretches from early spring to late fall, and they flourish in Zone 3 -- most of the continental United States as well as populated areas of Canada and Alaska. Rosemary Barrett provides expert advice on these outstanding plants. Following a brief section on the history of hostas, she covers the various cultivars in fine detail, with topics that include:
copyright 2004, hardcover & oversize paperback, 143 pages, Publisher, David Bateman, LTD, ISBN: 9781869535209, ISBN-10: 1869535200 
Hostas, An Essential Guide
by Richard Ford Hostas originated mainly in Japan and were not introduced to Britain until the nineteenth century. They were grown and collected in Europe and America for the next two hundred years, but it was their move into containers that boosted their popularity and with their vibrant foliage made them an exuberant feature of gardens in the last twenty years. With the expert knowledge of Richard Ford, a Chelsea gold-medal winning nurseyman, this practical book looks at all aspects of their care and cultivation and will inspire everyone to make the most of Hostas in their garden. copyright 2010, 9.7" x 7.4", The Crowoos Press, UK, 192 pages, ISBN 9781847972187 
Hostas The New Plant Library, An Illustrated Guide to Varieties, Cultivation and Care, with Step by Step Instructions
by Andrew Mikolajski, Consultant Diana Grenfell Although this book is only 64 pages, it has been found to be very useful to beginners. Republished in 2001, Southwater Publishing, London, England, ISBN 1 8421 5515 6 
Hostas Grow your Hostas as per Species Habits
by Reggie D. Millette You will find information on how to succeed with the culture, by studying the species habits. You will find many new cultivars, the most popular hostas and a chapter on miniature hostas. For practical reasons the author included more than 400 photographs to illustrate. copyright 2013, paperback, 8 x 6.5 x 1 inches, 352 pages, Millette Photomedia publisher, ISBN-10: 2896960449, ISBN-13: 978-2896960446 
Hybridizing ABCs
by Frank Nyikos Hybridizing A B C's is a beginner's guide to the art of hybridizing plants. Discussion includes how this is done, seed development, sprouting seed, and progressing through general plant care to raise a seedling to adulthood. Emphasis is placed on good organization and record-keeping for all aspects of seedling development. Basic genetic concerns lead to common hybridizing techniques and some examples of how to use ancestry to predict future hybrid crosses. Nyikos cites his personal experience as well as advice from plant societies to guide the budding seed producer. copyright 2011, 7 x 10, 166 pages, Create Space 
The Book of Little Hostas: 200 Small, Very Small, and Mini Varieties
by Kathy Guest Shadrack and Michael Shadrack A guide to popular new small hostas that take up less space and are ideally suited to container cultivation. They can be used on their own or with companion plants to make charming displays in the garden or on the porch and patio. Many small hostas are scaled-down versions of classic hostas, while others offer distinctly new attributes in terms of color, leaf shape, and patterning. Like full-size hostas, small hostas have many forms, colors, and degrees of substance. Some are better garden plants than others, and The Book of Little Hostas showcases the best of the new introductions. Photographs show imaginative displays in a variety of settings. copyright 2010, 7 x 9, 208 pages, color photos, hardcover, Timber Press, 133 S. W. Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, ISBN 9781604690606 
The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas
by Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack This resource provides a full description and color photograph for more than 850 plants capturing the qualities of each hosta that makae it distinctive and uniquely desirable. Contains sections on hosta classification and botany, classification, gardening ideas, advice on pests and diseases and a quick reference list of the best hostas for different purposes copyright 2004, Timber Press, 133 S. W. Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA,800 color photos, 2 maps, 8 1/2 x 11, hardcover, ISBN 0-88192-618-3 
HOSTA - The Flowering Foliage Plant by Diana Grenfell, This study of the genus Hosta begins with a historical perspective, looking at hostas in the wild, the early collectors, and the nineteenth and twentieth-century botanists who have worked on the genus. The largest chapter concerns the species consigned to their various sub-genera and sections. The cultivar chapter describes hostas which make good garden plants, those of notable historic interest and some that have recently arisen in tissue culture. Other chapters are devoted to uses of hostas in gardens from large woodland settings to small courtyards, and of course Hosta Reference Collections. This book by a founding member of the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society takes a historical approach. Ms.Grenfell traces the introduction of hostas from Japan through Macao to Europe two hundred years ago, detailing the work of nineteenth and twentieth century botanists on the genus, and tracing the sequence of extraordinary mistakes and coincidences which have caused such havoc in hosta nomenclature. There are full and detailed descriptions of the species and a listing and descriptions of more than 150 recommended cultivars, some of which may be better known among English and Continental growers than in the United States. In addition to the color photographs, there are 27 botanical drawings by Jenny Brasier, who has won three Gold Medals from the Royal Horticultural Society for her illustrations. copyright 1990, hardbound, Timber Press, 133 S. W. Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, 208 pp. 
Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening: A Gardener's Guide to Growing Flowers, from Today's Favorites to Unusual Varietiesby Matt Mattus
A comprehensive and highly practical study of the art of growing flowers, Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening presents expert tips on growing both annuals and biennials (including native and heirloom species) alongside hundreds of lush photographs. This gorgeously illustrated book by Matt Mattus is based on decades of first-hand experience in his own garden and greenhouse made popular on his blog Growing with Plants. Every variety or species presented is one that he has personally trialed and grown. Mattus sets you up for success by providing everything you need to know about starting seeds, soil, sowing, hardening off, to transplanting, and growing on. Then, in the following chapters, you'll find tips for growing over 100 different annuals from seed and many summer bulbs, vines like wisteria and even blooming shrubs like lilacs. Every flower includes detailed information based on his hands-on experience, going beyond the information typically available on the seed packet or a nursery tag. Learn details and cultural facts that will help you grow better flowers while introducing you to many more. You’ll find tips for topics like how to grow challenging annual poppies and biennials from seedand forcing flowers for winter blooms. Just a small selection of the flowers covered: heirloom and exhibition chrysanthemums, larkspurs and annual poppies, delphiniums, peonies, lilacs and wisteria. Bulbs include spring and summer bulbs such as anemone, ranunculus, tulips, lilies, gladiolus, and cut flower dahlias, while winter indoor bulbs cover every aspect of forcing bulbs indoors like narcissus, amaryllis, South African bulbs--and even how to force Lily of the Valley. In short, there is nothing ordinary about this book—it is unlike any other cut flower book you will find. 
The Gardeners Guide to Growing Hosta
by Diana Grenfell The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hostas is both a full and wide-ranging study of the genus by one of the world's leading hosta growers and also a practical guide for gardeners and collectors. The book features a wealth of essential advice on cultivation, propagation and garden uses and an extensive A-Z plant directory listing over 400 cultivars and forms. Committed enthusiasts will enjoy the brief history of the hosta, the botany of the hosta and information about hosta collections all over the world including England, Scotland, France, the Netherlands and North America. Information on exhibiting and showing hostas completes the comprehensive and up-to-date account of the fascinating plant. The book is illustrated with superbly detailed photographs and delightful, informative pencil drawings which are not only excellent aids to accurate identification but also an inspiration to all who want to grow and collect these lovely plants. The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hostas will delight hosta lovers, convert those unfamiliar with the genus and inspire a new generation of hosta growers. copyright 1996, hardbound, Timber Press, 133 West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, 160 pages 
The Genus Hosta
by George Schmid The first complete classification for the genus, this labor of love reflects the author's long fascination with hostas. All hostas known at the time of writing are detailed including their 3500 names and synonyms in many languages (300 in Japanese kana). The beginning of the book focuses on hosta species. Schmid's years of study caused him to revise some species and reduce others to cultivar status. A truly comprehensive scientific and horticultural study on the genus hosta. The largest part of the book is devoted to detailed descriptions of all species, varieties, forms, and registered/non-registered cultivars. Professional horticulturists and hosta enthusiasts will appreciate this first-ever comprehensive classification system listing approximately 3500 names and synonyms, including 300 Japanese names printed in kana. Also included is information and cultivation, propagation, and hybridization, landscape uses, and pests and diseases. THis book is a definite reference work. copyright 1991, hardbound, 428 pages, Timber Press, 133 West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA,, 
The Hosta Book, Second Edition
by Paul Aden Paul Aden, who has introduced dozens of new hostas into cultivation, wrote six chapters and contributed many photographs to this classic. Other contributors include John Elsley, Yoshimichi Hirose, Graham Stuart Thomas, and Andre Viette. This was the first contemporary book on hostas and played a role in helping to bring these versatile shade-lovers to their current level of popularity. copyright 1990, hardbound & paperback, 133 pages, Timber Press, 133. S. West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, 
The Hostapedia, An Encyclopedia of Hostas
by Mark R. Zilis In The Hostapedia, Mark Zilis describes every hosta that he has encountered over the past thirty years. This includes forms he studied in gardens and nurseries throughout the United States and those he observed in native habitats and collections in Japan. It encompasses all cultivars registered with the American Hosta Society and others listed in a wide variety of publications and websites. The 1900 photos in The Hostapediahighlight the most important hostas, as well as many unusual collector's plants and hosta oddities.
copyright 2009, 7,400 hosta descriptions, 1,897 color photos, hardbound, 1128 pages, Q&Z Nursery, Inc., Rochelle, IL, USA, , ISBN 978-0-9679440-1-2 
The Hosta Handbook
by Mark Zilis This Edition Covers Plants Mostly Not in the Later Book From Zilis Titled Hostapedia, OUT OF PRINT GUIDE TO HOSTA PLANTS, GROWING REQUIREMENTS, IDENTIFICATION; COMPLETE CULTURAL CONDITIONS AND DISEASE IDENTIFICATION. copyright 2000, spiral bound, 600 pages, Q & Z Nursery, Rochelle, IL, ISBN 0-9679440-0-7 
The New Encyclopedia of Hostas
by Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack The New Encyclopedia of Hostas is the second edition of this classic book. It provides growth and cultivation information for over seven hundred hostas. Detailed, easy-to-read descriptions include growing tips, recommendations for landscape use, and suggestions for companion plants. Hostas are grouped in sections by color and are highlighted by Michael Shadrack's photographs. It includes portions of The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas (2004) and Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (2007). The foreward is by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. copyright 2009, 8 x 11, 472 pages, 879 color photographs, hardcover, Timber Press, 133. S. West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, 
The New Encyclopedia of Hosta (Second Edition)
by Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack The New Encyclopedia of Hostas is the second edition of this classic book. It provides growth and cultivation information for over seven hundred hostas. Detailed, easy-to-read descriptions include growing tips, recommendations for landscape use, and suggestions for companion plants. Hostas are grouped in sections by color and are highlighted by Michael Shadrack's photographs. It includes portions of The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas (2004) and Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (2007). The foreward is by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. copyright , 8 x 11, 472 pages, 879 color photographs, hardcover, Timber Press, 133. S. West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, 
Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas
by Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack This guide features 280 of the best new and old hostas, each handpicked by veteran plantswoman Diana Grenfell for its superb performance in the landscape. The descriptions include botanical details to aid in plant identification and selection, succinct cultivation notes, and brief comparisons to 545 similar and related hostas. Photographs by Michael Shadrack accompany the descriptions. Gardeners will find this a practical reference for taking to the nursery or garden center. copyright 2007, paperback, 212 pages, 298 color photos, 5.75" x 8.25", Timber Press, 133. S. West Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, USA, ISBN 9780881928471 |
Made in the Shade: Confessions of a Hostaholic
by Larry Tucker
Brimming with adventures and advice, this light-hearted book presents 80 of Larry Tucker's humorous essays and 55 of his tips on hosta gardening. It covers 10 years of his shady shenanigans and practical (if not off-the-wall) approach to gardening. Combining wit and wisdom, lore and lessons, the book follows Larry's romp through a life blessed and cursed by his hosta habit. Along the way, he copes with Hurricane Elvis, devastating drought, mountains of mulch and April fools. Troubles aside, many fond friends and precious plants merit his signature "Hosta la vista!" This fund-raising publication benefits the American Hosta Society's National Display Garden in Memphis. The author, a retired newspaper editor, was founding president of the Mid-South Hosta Society, longtime editor of the Hosta Hotline newsletter and former AHS vice president for publications.
copyright 2009, spiral bound, 7" x 8½", Weber Publications, Memphis, TN, USA, 124 pp. ISBN 978-0-9710743-2-3
by Larry Tucker
Brimming with adventures and advice, this light-hearted book presents 80 of Larry Tucker's humorous essays and 55 of his tips on hosta gardening. It covers 10 years of his shady shenanigans and practical (if not off-the-wall) approach to gardening. Combining wit and wisdom, lore and lessons, the book follows Larry's romp through a life blessed and cursed by his hosta habit. Along the way, he copes with Hurricane Elvis, devastating drought, mountains of mulch and April fools. Troubles aside, many fond friends and precious plants merit his signature "Hosta la vista!" This fund-raising publication benefits the American Hosta Society's National Display Garden in Memphis. The author, a retired newspaper editor, was founding president of the Mid-South Hosta Society, longtime editor of the Hosta Hotline newsletter and former AHS vice president for publications.
copyright 2009, spiral bound, 7" x 8½", Weber Publications, Memphis, TN, USA, 124 pp. ISBN 978-0-9710743-2-3
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Gardening has a way of Bringing people together. Our NIHS members experience the power of "Friendship" thRoughout our Hosta SOCIETY'S CALENDAR OF events!
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