H. 'Lemon Lime'

Late April '07 I found myself visiting a new-to-me nursery in the area. Needless to say I checked out their Hosta choices and ran across a 6 inch pot with a smallish green, almost chartreuse Hosta that was quite obviously sporting. I picked it up, looked at it, didn't notice an identifying label and ended up putting it back on the table. I was intrigued enough about it though that I went back a couple of days later and purchased it. Still no label, so, I posted a couple of messages on a mailing list and a forum and quickly was steered in the right direction.

This picture shows what it looked like before I divided the plant. It has a reputation for being a rapid grower, flushing as much as three times a year. It looks as if I'll be able to divide it out into at least a half dozen plants, perhaps even more.

This cropped area will give a little better idea of what 'Lemon Lime' looks like by itself. It will get divided very soon and is supposed to be a very vigourous grower. Pictures taken later in the season will undoubtedly prove just that.

It did get divided, but rather late in the year and they're all making a nice showing in 2008. 'Lemon Lime' has given rise to a number of sports, which includes 'Lemon Delight', the variegated one that came in the pot when I bought it, and we received a second variegated one called 'Lemon Frost' in early June 2008.

By 2009 it was quite clear why this was such an inexpensive purchase, the darned things are indeed rapid growers. There are now several #1 pots -all from 2007 divisions- and I have no doubt at least one will be used for further division in 2010.