...the one in the pot to the right of 'Sagae.'
The one in the pot is named 'Island Breeze' and it is a very pleasing, relatively new introduction. It is one of a series of three Hostas. Walters Gardens catalogue explains:
"First came 'Fire Island' which was followed by its variegated progeny 'Paradise Island'. Now there is 'Island Breeze' which is the third member of this "tropical" family and a sport of 'Paradise Island'.
The improvements in this cultivar include more impressive variegation due to its wider margins, thicker leaf substance, and a strong growth rate.
Wide, dark green margins stand in sharp contrast to the bright yellow centers in early spring. As summer approaches, the centers become more chartreuse when plants are grown in heavier shade or lighter yellow if they are grown in more sun. Like 'Paradise Island', this one also has showy red speckled petioles that bleed up into the leaves.
Dark lavender flowers appear on reddish green scapes in midsummer."
This was a surprisingly hard summer for some plants... but I'm pleased to say 'Island Breeze' came through with 'nary a scratch.
According to Walters this is considered to be a 'premium' hosta.
"This premium hosta variety is part of a group of the finest hostas available today. To be considered a premium hosta, plants must perform superbly in many zones. They must also exhibit exemplary garden presence and performance, have a long season of appeal in the landscape, have leaves of good substance, and demonstrate a greater resistance to common garden pests."
The variegation in the leaves is very attractive, the dark buds and blooms are unique and regal. The part of this Hosta that appeals the most to me is the interesting and very good looking reddish stems.
The only problem with this Hosta is finding a planting site that allows you to see those reddish stems.
