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Hosta of the
Year 2009:
'Earth Angel'
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| A young plant of hosta 'Earth Angel'. |
Hosta are
among the most popular of perennials for shady areas, with hundreds of
varieties now readily available. Plants form a sturdy mound of foliage,
topped with airy blooms. Each year the American Hosta Growers Association
selects its Hosta of the Year to recognize hosta plants that are good garden
plants in all regions of the country, are widely available, and retail for
no more than $15.00 in the year of selection. Since 1996 they have chosen
great varieties that have exceptionally decorative foliage, showy or
fragrant flowers, and perform well throughout USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Their choice for 2009 is 'Earth Angel'.
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| Cream and blue leaves of Hosta
'Earth Angel'. |
This wonderful variegated
blue hosta is a white-edged sport of Hosta 'Blue Angel' that was introduced
in 2002 by Hans Hansen of Shady Oaks Nursery.
This is an excellent grower and makes a large, showy plant once mature.
The slow-growing clumps get over
3 feet across and about 3 feet tall. It makes a great specimen plant
for a shady spot.
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| 'Earth Angel' coming into bloom. |
The thick, heart-shaped
leaves are wide with a pointed end. Each blue-gray leaf has an irregular
border of creamy yellow in spring that changes to creamy white by summer.
In mid-summer pale lavender flowers are produced on scapes up to 30" long.
Because of the thick leaves and slightly upright habit, it is slug
resistant, has few disease problems and is not bothered by rabbits.
–
Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin - Madison 
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Additional Information:
- American Hosta Society
–
aims to promote, encourage, and foster the development, improvement, and
enjoyment of the genus Hosta with information for everyone from
beginners to long-time hosta-philes.
- The Hosta Library
– a reference library, with photos, discussion forums, and lots of links
related to the genus.
- The Hosta Network – offers 150 hosta varieties through Bishop’s Farms, but also has links to
numerous societies, books and more.
- The Hosta Forum
on Garden Web – offers an opportunity to connect with other hosta lovers.
- Ten
Top Hostas
– by Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor, University of Vermont
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