The Hosta Handbook provides a comprehensive review of 278 horticulturally significant types of hostas. Included are the most popular cultivars, traditional landscaping hostas, and important species. Highlights include complete descriptions ofthe Tardiana Series and the Iron Gate Series, as well as hostas related to H. ‘Fortunei’, H. montana, H. plantaginea, H. sieboldiana, H. sieboldii, H. ‘Tokudama’, and H. ‘Undulata’.

Introductory chapters describe the history of hostas, taxonomy of the genus Hosta, how to grow hostas, what to plant with hostas, and how to propagate, hybridize, and select mutants. Then each hosta is examined in great detail. Mound dimensions are listed. Leaf size, colour, shape, texture, substance, and vein pairs are described. Flowering habits such as time of bloom, flower colour and size, scape height, and pod formation are also included.

 Leaf size, colour, shape, texture, substance, and vein pairs are described. Flowering habits such as time of bloom, flower colour and size, scape height, and pod formation are also included. A "Comments" section covers each plant’s origins, any American Hosta Society 
A "Comments" section covers each plant’s origins, any American Hosta Society(AHS) registration information, possible usage in the landscape, and the author’s opinions. Over 1300 more hostas are briefly described in "Seedlings, Sports, and Other Related Types" and "Other Similar Types" sections. Other features of The Hosta Handbook are the 300 colour photographs, an extensive Hosta Name index (with references to proper nomenchature), and the "Hosta Problem Solving Guide". The latter identifies 15 basic problems afflicting hostas and how to control them. The Hosta Handbook can be thought of as a field guide to hostas and is meant to be carried around the garden. The 4 1/4 inch wide by 9 inch long format lends itself to this purpose. All in all The Hosta Handbook will be useful to the most experienced hosta aficionados, as well as beginners, enthusiastic gardeners, nurserymen and taxonomists alike.

The Hosta Handbook can be purchased by calling

Toll Free - 1-800-528-2909.

The retail price is $34.95 US plus postage