Hosta Fortunei

It’s going to be difficult to write a hub on something that may not even exist but I’m going to do it anyway. Hosta Fortunei is a species of Hosta that was discovered by this guy Robert Fortune. Apparently although he discovered it, it no longer exists. At least I haven’t been able to find the original species for sale but maybe if you know of it you can give me a clue.

Now even though this perennial may not really exist it has its very own progeny which has formed a very exciting family of Hosta cultivars. Although I cannot tell you anything about the original species I can tell you about what has become of the species.

Some of the Fortunei Hostas include Hosta Francee, Patriot, Hosta Fire and Ice, and Praying Hands. Hosta Praying Hands is the 2011 Hosta of the Year by the way. Most of them seem to have dark glossy green foliage with white variegation. All of them probably don’t but a lot do.

Hostas are prone to mutation which is the reason we have so many unique and interesting varieties. They are propogated by both division and seed. If you plant a Hosta seed does not come true to type so if you want a duplicate of your favorite plant you will need to divide it in the spring.

Hosta Fortunei need a lot of water, shade or sun, and well drained soil to grow to their best. They get around 20 inches high by 30 inches wide give or take some inches depending on the cultivar.

That’s about all I can come up with on a plant that may or may not exist. If you have a source for the species Hosta Fortunei let me know because the less I’m able to find something the more I seem to want it.