Pic of the Day--Northern Star

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Hank Zumach
Posts: 3262
Joined: Oct 11, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Stoddard, WI

Pic of the Day--Northern Star

Post by Hank Zumach »

Hi All--Yesterday I mentioned the poll that I did in 2002 of the worst hosta varieties. I forgot to mention that the listing is posted at the Hosta Library under the "Lists" and "Less Popular" buttons. I think the only reason today's variety, Northern Star, did not make the list is because few gardeners have it. I have heard that there may be some plants out there that do better than ours. Northern Star does teach the lesson that having a good sport parent does not guarantee a great sport, since NS is a sport of Elegans. I made the mistake of buying NS in 1997 and for several years watched it burn away and fall apart. The photo was taken in late June, before the deterioration becomes really bad. I just checked the plant and, in Mid May, the signs of burnout are already showing up this year. When I finally gave up on it, I moved it to Loser's Lane where it gets dappled sun. The only reason I haven't composted the plant is due to lack of good character on my part. The plant reached a size of 60x29 in 2001 and over several years diminished to 42x18 but was back up to 57x26 in 2006. Not even slugs like this one.

Registry - http://hostaregistrar.org/detail.php?id ... ern%20Star
MyHostas - http://myhostas.be/db/hostas/Northern+Star
Hosta Library - http://www.hostalibrary.org/n/northernstar.html
Northern Star 6-26-06c.jpg
Hank
Better Gnomes & Gardens
zone 4B-5A
Latitude: 43° 48' 51" N
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newtohosta-no more
Posts: 15270
Joined: Oct 25, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Ohio, Zone 5

Post by newtohosta-no more »

Okay...I'll have to remember NOT to add NS to my hosta wish list. :lol: Thanks for the info, Hank. :wink:
~JOAN~
My Hosta List

Tomorrow is promised to no one, so love and laugh today.
Mary Ann
Posts: 2105
Joined: Oct 22, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Chgo

Re: Pic of the Day--Northern Star

Post by Mary Ann »

Hank Zumach wrote: The only reason I haven't composted the plant is due to lack of good character on my part.
I like that excuse, Hank! It's like a reverse pat on the back. :D
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The Best Things in Life Aren't Things
Arlene
Posts: 306
Joined: Oct 19, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: formerly Northern Indiana, now mid-Tennessee
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Post by Arlene »

Thanks . . . this kind of information keeps us from buying the less-than-great ones -- thus freeing up $$ for the MANY super ones!
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greenguy
Posts: 276
Joined: Dec 20, 2004 8:08 pm
Location: Ohio, Zone 5

Post by greenguy »

such a shame with the color it has
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addieotto
Posts: 192
Joined: Jun 18, 2006 7:57 pm
Location: Southern NJ Lat: 39° 47' 17.916" Lon: -74° 59' 13.56"
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Post by addieotto »

As usual, even the photos of your "losers" are so lush and gorgeous. Darn it Hank, you can make even a ratty plant look great! Now that's talent!! :lol:
SUE
My hosta blog: http://myhostagardens.com
Wheasie
Posts: 870
Joined: Jan 03, 2002 8:00 pm
Location: Northern Kentucky

Post by Wheasie »

It is one that I lost in my move in 2005 - sad too. It was a struggle to nurse it along but it was such a gorgeous hosta.

Wheasie
Hank Zumach
Posts: 3262
Joined: Oct 11, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Stoddard, WI

Post by Hank Zumach »

Wheasie--Are you serious? If so, you are one of the few who have had a decent perfomring plant.
Hank
Better Gnomes & Gardens
zone 4B-5A
Latitude: 43° 48' 51" N
thehostagourmet
Posts: 669
Joined: Mar 10, 2003 10:38 am
USDA Zone: 5b
Location: Western NY, Zone 5

NS

Post by thehostagourmet »

Hank, you're giving up a large amount of carbon and nitrogen for the compost pile. :D

George
Hank Zumach
Posts: 3262
Joined: Oct 11, 2001 8:00 pm
Location: Stoddard, WI

Post by Hank Zumach »

George--I know but its all part of the price one has to pay for being an incurable hostaholic. :D
Hank
Better Gnomes & Gardens
zone 4B-5A
Latitude: 43° 48' 51" N
Wheasie
Posts: 870
Joined: Jan 03, 2002 8:00 pm
Location: Northern Kentucky

Post by Wheasie »

Hank - yeah, it was a nice looking hosta, though clearly not a "strong" one.
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